16 Nurse Entrepreneurship Ideas: The Ultimate Guide

Nurse entrepreneurship is on the rise, and for good reason.

This is not surprising, given the many benefits of nurse entrepreneurship, including flexibility, income potential, personal satisfaction, and the ability to make a difference.

We nurses have a wealth of knowledge and skills that can be used to start successful businesses in a variety of industries.

You can start businesses in telehealth, nurse coaching, nurse consulting, nurse-managed clinics, nursing informatics, public health nursing, legal nurse consulting, nursing education, and many more tips below.

But…

There are a few things you need to know.

What is Nurse Entrepreneurship?

Nurse entrepreneurship is the process of starting and running a business by a nurse. Nurse entrepreneurs can start businesses in various industries, including healthcare, education, and consulting.

Some examples of nurse entrepreneur businesses include telehealth practices, nurse coaching services, clinical consulting firms, nurse-owned clinics, and healthcare staffing agencies.

The key is using your nursing and clinical expertise to provide valuable services and fill unmet needs in the marketplace.

Why should nurses become entrepreneurs?

There are many benefits to becoming a nurse entrepreneur, including:

Flexibility

Nurse entrepreneurs have the flexibility to set their very own schedule and office hours and work from wherever they want.

Income potential

Nurse entrepreneurs can often earn more than nurses who work for others.

Personal satisfaction

Starting your own business can be a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.

The ability to make a difference

Nurse entrepreneurs can start businesses that help nurses choose how to improve the health and well-being of others.

What are the challenges of nurse entrepreneurship?

Starting a business is not without its challenges. Some of the challenges of nurse entrepreneurship include:

Financial risk

Starting a business requires an investment of money, and there is always the risk of failure.

Time commitment

Running a business can be time-consuming, especially in the early stages.

Lack of support

Nurses who start their own businesses often lack the support systems that are in place for nurses who work for others.

How to start a nurse entrepreneurship business

Choose a niche

What business skills are you passionate about? What are your skills and strengths? Once you know your niche, you can develop a business plan.

Do your research

Once you have a serious business idea and plan, it’s important to do your research and understand the market you’re entering. This includes researching your competitors and your target customers.

Software setup and physical assets

Nurse entrepreneurs may also need to invest in software and physical products to run your businesses. The specific software and physical products needed will vary depending on the type of business you are starting.

Network with other nurses

Networking is a great way to learn from other successful other nurse practitioners and other successful nurse entrepreneurs and get support. There are many online and in-person networking groups for nurse entrepreneurs.

Market your business

Once you have a business, you need to market it so that people know about it. You can market your own business opportunities through online and offline channels, such as social media, websites, and networking events.

Get the necessary licenses and permits

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to obtain certain licenses and permits. Be sure to research the requirements for your specific business type and location.

Nurse entrepreneurship business ideas

Telehealth business

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services remotely, through video conferencing or other telecommunications technology.

Nurses can start telehealth businesses that provide a variety of services, such as primary care, mental health care, counseling, and chronic disease management.

Nurse coaching business

Nurse coaches help individuals and families make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. Nurses can start nurse coaching businesses that provide one-on-one or group wellness coaching and services.

Nurse consulting business

Nurse consultants provide their own clinical experience and expertise to healthcare organizations and businesses on a variety of topics in nursing field, such as patient care quality improvement and risk management

Nurses can start nurse consulting businesses that provide consulting services to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

Nurse-managed clinic

Nurse-managed clinics are healthcare facilities or medical offices that are owned and operated by nurses. Nurse-managed clinics offer a variety of services, such as primary care, women’s health, and pediatrics.

Nursing informatics business

Nursing informatics is the field of using technology to improve healthcare. Nursing informaticists use their knowledge of nursing and technology to develop and implement new systems and tools to improve patient care.

Nurses with a background in nursing professional or in technology can start nursing informatics businesses that provide these services to healthcare organizations.

Public health nursing business

Public health nurses work to improve the health of populations. They work in a variety of settings, such as schools, workplaces, and communities. Nurses can start public health nursing businesses that provide services such as health education, disease prevention, and community health planning.

Legal nurse consulting business

Legal nurse consultants provide their medical expertise both to attorneys and medical professionals in legal cases. They can help with tasks such as reviewing medical records, identifying potential cases of medical malpractice with medical equipment, and preparing expert witness testimony.

Nurses with a background in law can start legal nurse consulting businesses that provide these services to law firms and insurance companies.

Nursing education business

Nurses can also start their own businesses teaching other nurses. This can be done through online courses, in-person workshops, or consulting services.

Nurses with a passion for education can start their own practice, nursing school or education businesses or work for existing nursing degree schools.

This is your chance to share your nursing expertise with the next generation of nurses by starting a nursing education business offering NCLEX prep courses, skills training, tutoring, or nursing continuing education.

Medical product sales business

Nurses can use their nursing skills and their knowledge of medical products to start medical product sales businesses that sell products to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

You can leverage your clinical background and sales skills to start a medical sales business where you represent pharmaceutical or medical device companies and sell their products to healthcare organizations in your region.

Healthcare staffing agency

Nurses can start healthcare staffing agencies that provide nurses to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

You can hire qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals to fill temporary or permanent placement needs.

Healthcare consulting business

Nurses with expertise in specific areas of healthcare, such as regulatory compliance, business administration or quality improvement, most nurses can start healthcare consulting businesses that provide consulting services to healthcare organizations.

Healthcare technology business

Nurses with an interest in technology can start healthcare technology businesses that develop and sell new healthcare technologies.

Medical writing business

Nurses can use their writing skills to start medical writing businesses that provide services such as writing clinical trial reports, patient education materials, patient advocacy, and medical device marketing materials.

You can also start a writing business as a nurse by starting a blog just like this website that I started.

Medical Spa

Nurses can leverage their clinical skills and knowledge of aesthetics to open medical spa businesses offering popular cosmetic treatments. Medical spas allow nurses to provide non-invasive aesthetic procedures like:

Botox and dermal filler injections to relax facial wrinkles and restore youthful volume
Laser skin resurfacing to improve skin tone, texture, and the appearance of fine lines
Body contouring treatments such as CoolSculpting to eliminate stubborn fat without surgery
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion for skin exfoliation and rejuvenation
Laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction
Tattoo removal procedures
Skin tightening and lifting technologies to address sagging skin
Customized facials, peels, and clinical skin care regimens

IV Infusion Office / Mobile IV Hydration Therapy

IV nutrient infusions provide deep hydration and doses of vitamins/minerals for health and wellness. This business can be conducted either in-office or on the go through mobile IV therapy services.

Nurses can offer services like:

Myers cocktails, customized IV blends containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support immune function and overall wellbeing.

Glutathione infusions to increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione for anti-aging and detoxification benefits.

High dose vitamin C infusions to provide immune support, increase collagen production, and boost energy levels.

Aesthetic blends of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids tailored to improve skin hydration, brightness, and luminosity.

Hangover IV infusions with medications and fluids to quickly rehydrate the body and help relieve symptoms like headache and nausea after alcohol consumption.

Cannabis Dispensary Business

As a nurse entrepreneur, you can operate a retail cannabis dispensary for your patients for chronic pain management by:

Operating a retail cannabis dispensary: Nurse practitioners can indeed apply for licensure to operate a retail cannabis dispensary in states where medical cannabis is legal.

Providing private cannabis consultations: Nurse practitioners can provide private cannabis consultations to patients seeking guidance on medical cannabis usage and treatment options.

Advising patients on medical cannabis for health conditions: Nurse practitioners are well-positioned to advise patients on the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis for various health conditions, drawing from their extensive medical knowledge and experience.

Launching cannabis nurse education programs: Nurse practitioners can spearhead cannabis nurse education programs to equip their colleagues with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage patients using medical cannabis.

Opening cannabis clinics focusing on treating patients and on alternative therapies: Nurse practitioners can establish cannabis clinics that integrate medical cannabis with complementary and alternative therapies, providing patients with a comprehensive approach to pain management and overall well-being.

Travel Nurse Housing Real Estate Developer

With booming demand for travel nurses, you will have the opportunity to house our travel nurses in your short- term rental real estate business.

Tips for success as you become a nurse entrepreneur

Choose a business niche that you are passionate about and have expertise in. This will make it easier to market your business and attract clients.

Develop a strong business plan. This will help you to map out your business goals and strategies.

Network with other nurses and healthcare professionals. This is a great way to learn from others and build relationships that can be beneficial to your business.

Market your business effectively. Use a variety of online and offline marketing channels to reach your target customers.

Provide excellent customer service.

Conclusion

Nurse entrepreneurship is a great way for nurses to use their skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.

There are many different types of businesses that nurses can start, and there is a growing market for nurse entrepreneurship services.

If you’re a nurse who is thinking about starting your own business, I encourage you to go for it!

Additional tips for success

Be patient. It takes time to build a successful business. Don’t expect to become an instant success.

Be persistent. There will be setbacks along the way, but don’t give up. Keep working hard and you will eventually achieve your goals.

Be adaptable. The healthcare industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be adaptable and willing to change your business strategies as needed.

FAQ

What are some of the most popular and profitable business ideas for nurse entrepreneurs?

Some of the most popular and potentially lucrative business ideas for nurses include starting a home health agency, medical staffing/travel nursing agency, private duty nursing/home care services, legal nurse consulting firm, nursing education company, telehealth consulting business, health coaching or wellness services, medical concierge service, and more. Focus on an idea that matches your interests, skills, and local market demand.

What skills do I need to be a successful nurse entrepreneur?

Important skills for nurse entrepreneurs include clinical expertise, business/management skills, marketing/sales abilities, communication, creativity, leadership, adaptability, organization and time management. A strong entrepreneurial drive and passion help too.

How much does it cost to start a nurse-owned business?

Costs vary widely based on the type of business. Budget for expenses like professional fees, licenses/permits, insurance, equipment, supplies, marketing, and working capital for several months of operation. Most nurse startups require at least $10,000-$50,000 to launch.

What are the first steps to take in starting a nursing business?

Key first steps include researching your business idea, writing a business plan, lining up financing, choosing a business structure, registering your business, obtaining necessary licenses/permits, finding a location (if needed), buying insurance, setting up accounting, and more.

What legal issues do I need to consider when starting a nursing business?

You’ll need to choose a business structure, register your business, apply for necessary licenses/permits, understand nurse practice act limitations, have proper insurance coverage (malpractice, general liability etc.), know HIPAA privacy rules, and consider getting legal/tax advice.

Where can I find funding to start my nurse entrepreneur business?

Funding options include self-financing, loans from banks/SBA/other lenders, crowdfunding, business credit cards, grants, investors, business incubators/accelerators, and nurse entrepreneur pitch competitions. Talk to your financial advisor.

How can I market my nursing business effectively?

Effective marketing tips include developing a marketing plan, creating a distinct brand, networking, content marketing through a website/blog and social media, search engine optimization (SEO), paid ads, direct mail, referrals/word-of-mouth, partnerships, and public relations.

What are some tips for managing my nursing business finances?

Tips include tracking all expenses, managing cash flow, invoicing promptly, pursuing accounts receivable, budgeting wisely, reviewing financials regularly, having an accounting system, following tax/regulatory requirements, using a bookkeeper/accountant, and keeping personal and business finances separate.

Where can I find more resources for nurse entrepreneurs?

Great resources include nurse entrepreneur associations (like Nurse Entrepreneur Network), Small Business Administration, nurse entrepreneur websites/blogs, local Small Business Development Centers, entrepreneurship programs at universities, business books/podcasts, and networking with other nurse entrepreneurs.

What should I do if my nursing business struggles at first?

If your business struggles, revisit your business plan, research the market further, leverage resources like SCORE mentors, listen to customer feedback, refocus your marketing, consider pivoting your business model, evaluate your financing, tap into emotional support systems, and don’t be afraid to close up shop if needed. Persistence pays off.