3 Things I Have Learned As a Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur: What I Would Do Differently

Mexico City, Mexico

I often coach other advanced practice nurses that they must break free of analysis paralysis and take a chance. There is rarely a “wrong” way to get started as a Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur. You can ALWAYS pivot and try something different which cannot be said for all small business types.

That said, there are still some things I can reflect upon since I started my first practice. I have learned so much since 2021 or even earlier in my career. I have no regrets but I want to share these with others in the event that may be helpful to other Nurse Practitioners that are looking to break free of the rat race.

1. Multiple degrees. 

Consider if you need that additional certification, the doctorate, or something more. I do not regret any of my degrees or certifications, however, I spent years on certifications that I do not use and will probably never use again. I have a wound certification, was once a lactation counselor, and more! I spent so many years trying to find a role in the healthcare realm that was enjoyable and fostered real growth. While I found some roles modestly fulfilling, none have brought the amount of fulfillment that I have received from owning my own practices. In 2013 I graduated from my first MSN program and became an Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist. With this degree I was able to work as an Advanced Practice Nurse. This certification has afforded me the know-how to affect real change amongst the various levels of influence within the healthcare arena. However, modern healthcare, particularly insurance-based primary care, seldom affords us the opportunity to lend to real change. I later became a Family Nurse Practitioner then a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have always planned to get a doctorate, the first in my immediate family. Now that is something I may do someday for fun and in the event I want to pursue a career again in academia. Given another chance, I would have picked one and really explored my options for entrepreneurship. Instead, I kept hoping that the next certification would land me in a different place. I was doing the same thing and expecting different results (and acquiring more student loan debt.) With any certification there are truly many options. While you should know your scope, you should also know that your skillset is unique and you can offer something that people WILL want from your independent practice. Pick something and get started.

2. Multiple Practices.

Think through owning multiple practices. This is again not a regret but something I would do differently. I started my telehealth practices in 2021 and soon noted a demand for in-person care. I created new practices to meet this need. While creating the second psychiatry practice ultimately benefited me when I sold it this year, it took longer than it could have to grow because my attention was pulled in many directions with that many practices to operate. My goal was never to be wealthy but to help people. I could have helped more people faster in my hometown had I been able to focus my energies better. It still worked out beautifully but it was a real learning opportunity. Do not put your eggs into too many practice baskets.

3. Being Pulled in Multiple Directions

Cut back on putting yourself in positions that will pull you in multiple directions. I saw clients in 3-4 of the 4 practices at any given time. If I could do it again, I would have cut down my work hours and allowed contractors to see more clients. Nurse culture frequently involves belief that we should work hard, there is increased value as a nurse if we work overtime, we will “sleep when we are dead,” and other toxic beliefs that serve to sabotage us. I think it is a common occurrence that Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneurs feel that no one else can do the work quite like they do. I have found that this is simply untrue. I have hired an incredible team of nurse practitioners, some of which can run circles around me professionally. By removing myself, allowing others to work more as they would wish, and working more ON my business instead of IN my business, I have been able to concentrate my efforts on practice growth. 

Please know that no one person’s experience will be the same and there is no one way to do this, and that’s what makes nurse practitioner entrepreneurship unique and beautiful. As a practice owner you are going to mess up sometimes but that is how you grow and create something great. You just have to take the first step.

Still unsure? Reach out to us and we can help you get started now!