In recent years, there has been an increase in nurse entrepreneurs who have chosen a less conventional path in the healthcare industry. Nurses, known for their dedication and adaptability, are now moving beyond traditional direct patient care roles and venturing into side gigs and full-fledged entrepreneurial ventures.

This article examines the process of moving from idea to action, discussing the different stages of starting a business, the challenges encountered, and the unique strengths that nurses bring to the table. It aims to inspire an interest in starting your own side business!

Ideation Phase

Every entrepreneurial journey begins with an idea. For nurses, these ideas often stem from their everyday experiences and the challenges they observe within the healthcare system. The ideation phase is about recognizing a problem and envisioning a solution. Here, creativity meets practicality as nurses leverage their unique perspectives to identify opportunities for innovation.

During my time as a nursing student and new graduate nurse, I discovered that nurses needed more support and career guidance. In my personal experience, a clinical instructor laughed at me and told me I would never become an emergency nurse. This response shocked me and pushed me to pursue my passion for working in the emergency department.

As my career progressed, I became a preceptor, mentor, educator, and coach. I realized I had a talent for providing career guidance to nurses and empowering them to work towards their career goals. Many have referred to me as the ultimate “hype woman” due to my ability to motivate others.

One day, I realized I could turn my skills, abilities, and expertise into a business. I identified a significant gap in career guidance for nurses, recognizing that nursing offers many different opportunities and career paths. On June 21, 2021, I founded Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach LLC. Today, I am an energetic Nurse Career Coach, author, freelance writer, speaker, and corporate trainer focusing on leadership development, professional advancement, creating healthy workplaces, and branding.