Are you a nurse who feels unhappy with your current work situation and are ready to make a change? Having to deal with difficult work conditions can be very disheartening. You might consider becoming a nurse solopreneur.
If the idea of working for yourself as a registered nurse seems foreign to you, start here.
If you already know what it is then, welcome! And know that you are not alone, more nurses are taking their careers into their own hands. Starting a side-hustle, or part-time business for yourself can be a great way to professionally network and lead to change even faster.
More nurses are wanting to move on from the bedside – whether it’s for personal or professional reasons.
So if you’re thinking about making a change, there are many things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible for yourself.
Keep reading to learn more!
Many nurses find leaving the bedside or the profession emotionally difficult.
This can be for a variety of reasons. Every aspect of the job can be exhausting. If you have decided that a change is best for you, a transition period is bound to bring challenges.
I’ve been there before. And, there are a few tips I want to share with you that may make your transition a little easier.
As a nurse, you should always remember that your value is not based on the position or job title you have. No matter what setting you work in, you are still a nurse, and you have so much value to offer the healthcare industry as a whole.
In case you are wanting to leave the bedside, or have and are still having a hard time adjusting, here are a few things that might help.
Six tips for nurses to make the transition away from the bedside easier.
- You are not alone.
The number of nurse solopreneurs is on the rise! Know that you are not the only one going through it. More nurses are taking on freelance side-hustles or full-time nurse entrepreneurship. There are many people who feel this way or want to make a change!
- There’s no wrong way to do it.
As a business owner, you are the one making the decisions. You don’t have to leave nursing altogether to start your own business. There are plenty of opportunities out there for nurse entrepreneurs. All you need is a great idea and a little bit of gumption to get started.
- Think about what you want in your career.
What do you want your career or work-life balance to look like in five years? What about a year from now? To get there, you will probably have to make a few big decisions and stick with them.
So, what do you want your career to look like? What interests could you combine with your nursing skills in order to offer a unique product or service?
For example, do you have a knack for writing? There are plenty of opportunities for nurses to make money in freelance writing. Or you could lean into your love of editing. The options are endless.
- Get involved in your local nursing community.
There are often nurse meetups or even business networking events specifically for nurses. You can try searching online for virtual events if you cannot find one in your area. LinkedIn is a great tool when just starting out and has many networking events and learning opportunities. Lets connect! This is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals and get some support during your transition.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Whether it’s from a mentor, a friend, or even a professional career coach, getting some guidance during this time can be incredibly helpful.
- Take time for yourself.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, it might be a good idea to take a little break. If you feel like there is no way to financially do so, create little pockets of space for yourself throughout your day. This doesn’t cost you anything and can help center you.
For example, step away from social media. It can be so easy to compare yourself to others when all you see is someone else’s highlight reel they post on social media. Or, every time you sit down to chart, take 30 seconds to say an affirmation.
Do whatever you can to take some time off from work, and just relax. You deserve it!
Making the decision to leave the bedside can be difficult. You’re not alone if you feel called to make a change.
There are many nurses feeling and going through the same struggles you are right now. Finding and connecting with those people can be invaluable to your success as a business owner.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and start building relationships with people who are two steps ahead of you. There are plenty of nurse solopreneurs out there who have made the transition and are thriving in their new careers.
If you are a nurse who wants to learn more about business strategy, take advantage of this free 10-day email course. I walk you through how to start thinking like a business owner and show you how to take your idea and turn it into a money-making business.
To take advantage of the free email course. Ten days from now you will thank yourself.
I hope these tips were helpful! If you’re thinking about making a change in your career, I encourage you to do some research and reach out to others who have made a similar transition.
What other tips would you include? Leave them in the comments below!