Liberated Nurse Business Academy - Nurse Entrepreneur Success Blog #Nurse CoachingLiberated Nurse Business Academy - Nurse Entrepreneur Success Blog #Nurse Coachinghttps://www.liberatednurse.com/blog/tag/nurse-coachingSat, 09 May 2026 03:56:12 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[3 Core Values Shared by Holistic Nurse Coaches & Entrepreneurs]]>https://www.liberatednurse.com/blog/post/3-core-values-holistic-nurse-entrepreneurs-share-especially-nurse-coachesYou have likely learned that where you place your focus has a great deal to do with your inner experiences of peace, gratitude, and fulfillment. This is especially true for nurse entrepreneurs. Discover how to apply your core values in your business today.]]>
3 Core Values Holistic Nurse Entrepreneurs Share (Especially Nurse Coaches)

Shared Core Values of Holistic Nurse Entrepreneurs and How We Can Visibly Apply Them in Our Businesses

One of my core values and prayers is for Peace on Earth. To me, Peace means:
  • There’s safety for all people and support for true holistic wellness.
  • We are not divided by hate or fear.
  • We meet each other heart to heart, mind to mind, as equals who have a wide variety of gifts to share.
  • We experience the love and compassion that live inside all of us and unite us as one.
  • We feel we all belong, we all matter, and everyone's needs are heard and included.
  • We share the earth’s resources responsibly and equitably, with more transparency and less deception.
  • And we relax into kindness, with a gentle curiosity about ourselves and others.

But these are troubling times, and many people are struggling. You might be, as well. 


While there's no denying the disruptive events in our world, you have likely learned that where you place your focus has a great deal to do with your inner experiences of Peace, Gratitude, and more. This is especially true for nurse coaches, consultants, and healers!


That's why it's important to remind you to practice Gratitude and rememeber its power. Gratitude lifts our conscious awareness, helping our hearts to be more Open, Humble, Peaceful, and Sharing.


Openness, Humility, Peace, Gratitude, and Sharing are five of my core values, with Peace, Gratitude, and Sharing being my top three. Perhaps these values could be summed up as None of us are truly safe and well until we all are.


Overwhelmingly, the entrepreneurial nurses I've talked with over the last several years embrace these values, too.


What are your core values?

How We Can Visibly Apply Our Core Values

The Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Business Develoment Community is a brave and supportive space that reminds entrepreneurial nurses we have the power to provide highly effective products, programs, and services to the public that demonstrate and radiate the skillful caring and healing consciousness that nurses are known and trusted for.

 

Intentionally placing our focus on developing and sharing our caring and healing skills brings us Peace and Gratitude that shapes our mind toward action guided by inspiration, creativity, and right relationship.

 

Peace might feel like a sudden sensation of the extraordinary when you gaze upon a newborn baby, twinkling stars on a clear night, or the sudden happiness you feel when you greet an old friend. Another day, Gratitude might move through you while watching a playful puppy, dancing to your favorite music, or smelling a fragrant pie.

 

The opposite of these feelings also has an impact. When putting your focus on what we don’t like or want, heavier emotions rise, dulling our senses and limiting our ability to solve problems and be creative. In this judgmental, emotional state, it is common to blame ourselves or others for what we don’t like about the situation.

 

Instead, you can choose to look for ordinary moments that bring you Peace or Gratitude and make you smile. There’s always something to be grateful for. When you feel yourself pushing too hard, or feeling low, remember to redirect your focus to feeling Peace or Gratitude. It may be a smile toward a co-worker, a big belly laugh, or a fresh cup of coffee. This is simple medicine and freely available to all of us all the time.

 

With practice, these extraordinary moments will gently pull you from the problem focused, reactive mindset toward a heart-centered experience. Here are a few more benefits of feeling Peace or Gratitude:

  • They transform negative emotions. Unlike the drama emotions of fear, pride, or anxiety, which trigger your fight-or-flight response, Peace and Gratitude help you stay calm and present.
  • They create feelings of generosity and empathy for others without expecting anything in return. It is not possible to be stingy and generous or self-centered and empathetic at the same time.
  • They alter your neurological and hormonal response, promoting positive health indicators. Research shows feeling grateful or at peace plays a role in health and healing, lowering blood pressure, and building a stronger immune system.

 

Humans are marvelously complex beings. The process of becoming more self-aware has a variety of paths. Feeling your Gratitude—not what you may tell yourself you should feel—will guide you along the path of a more fulfilling life.

 

When you emphasize and cultivate Grateful or Peaceful moments, you are restoring your energy and literally changing the DNA structure throughout your body. Peace and Gratitude lighten your heart and change your brain for the good!

An Invitation to You

You are warmly invited to join the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneurs’ Business Development Community, step into the your strength and wisdom, and start, grow, or scale a thriving, sustainable business with kind and courageous peer support.

  • May you have the courage to follow your calling.
  • May you know that you are capable of much more fulfillment than you have experienced before now.
  • May you claim the support that’s available to you.
  • May you step forward in power on your unique path of contribution.
  • May we together shine our light to benefit all neighborhoods, all communities, and all hearts.

 

Here’s to your success!

]]>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:23:47 -0600<![CDATA[The Holistic Nurse Business Development Process]]>https://www.liberatednurse.com/blog/post/holistic-nurse-business-development-processWhat does it mean for a nurse to be entrepreneurial? What are the opportunities and challenges for nurse entrepreneurs? Discover how the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneurs' Stages of Business Development helps nurse entrepreneurs, and how to get your Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit.]]>

The Holistic Nurse Business Development Process

by Sharon Burch, MSN, APRN, PHCNS-BC, APHN-BC, HWNC-BC

holistic nurse business development
Nurses have acted in a multitude of entrepreneurial ways since the beginning of the profession. Still, it is unclear what it means for a nurse to be entrepreneurial. 

Most of us agree that today’s health challenges require new ways of thinking and acting. Entrepreneurial nursing offers enormous potential to contribute to holistic solutions and elevate the nursing profession’s identity and agency.

However, evidence shows nurse entrepreneurs’ abilities to engage in empowered entrepreneurship are often compromised 1, and very few nursing education programs exist to change that.

This article presents recent studies that contribute to our understanding of nurse entrepreneurship and a holistic nursing CE program created to show nurses how to grow thriving, sustainable businesses.

What Is Entrepreneurial Nursing?

An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business while bearing the risks and enjoying the rewards. Entrepreneurs play a key role in the economy by bringing beneficial new ideas to the market.

Entrepreneurial nurses are often described inconsistently by terms not founded in research. For the purpose of this article, entrepreneurial nursing refers to nurse entrepreneurs, who create their own businesses and nurse intrapreneurs, who create innovative solutions for their employers. Neither of these roles is currently recognized by the ANA. There is a need to examine entrepreneurial nursing roles and characteristics and the preparation, skill development, and support entrepreneurial nurses need to be successful.

My literature search failed to identify the number of entrepreneurial nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2, registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2021. Their largest employers were: 

Hospitals; state, local, and private60%
Ambulatory healthcare services18%
Nursing and residential care facilities6%
Government6%
Educational services; state, local, and private3%
Other (including nurse entrepreneurs)7%

Michelle Podlesni, RN, President of the National Nurses in Business Association, estimates that the current number of full-time nurse entrepreneurs in the USA is between 30 and 40 thousand, and a higher number are part-time entrepreneurs 3.

In 2021, a systematic literature review of 647 documents explored the main characteristics of entrepreneurial nursing. These characteristics were employment status, context, knowledge, activities, barriers, and motivations 4. Neergard found that entrepreneurial nurses’ roles are empirically rooted in the field of nursing and theoretically rooted in the field of entrepreneurship. 

Additionally, she found that entrepreneurial nurses are influenced by their challenges in the healthcare system and the support they do or do not get. She offered that it is important that institutional nurse managers learn to identify entrepreneurial nurses’ characteristics and encourage them to develop their ideas.

Challenges and Opportunities for Nurse Entrepreneurs

Risks During Start-up

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 80% of small businesses survive the first year, 70% survive two years, but only 50% survive five years, and only 33% survive for 10. Healthcare and social assistance businesses have 5-10% higher survival rates than the mean 2.

Understanding what risks can lead to business failure and how each can be avoided or managed is vital. According to Horton 5, small businesses often fail from

  1. Running out of money: Lack of clarity on how much net revenue is occurring and how to manage cashflow fluctuations
  2. Inexperience managing a business: An unwillingness to delegate, a faulty business model, or a poorly visualized business plan
  3. Unsuccessful marketing initiatives: Poor return on time and money invested, leading to #1

New nurse entrepreneurs need to balance their risk profile to protect themselves in the event of business failure. Assuming a 20-50% failure possibility in our first five years, we would be wise to distribute our time, energy, and money investments accordingly. Knowing this, many nurse entrepreneurs develop their business ideas while working as employees of others.

Internal and External Challenges

Jakobsen, et al.1  explored the experiences and perspectives of nine Danish nurse entrepreneurs. They found they faced many internal and external conflicts that compromised their ability to engage in empowered entrepreneurship. The results were organized into four themes: 

  1. Prejudice against entrepreneurship

  2. Becoming an entrepreneur in a nursing culture

  3. Rebellion against the conventional role of an employee

  4. Challenging professional identity and forming new professional roles

They concluded that nurse entrepreneurship

  • Requires a significant learning process that develops nurses’ abilities to think outside the box

  • Has the potential to significantly develop the nursing role and identity and contribute to solving health challenges that require new approaches

Vannucci’s study6  aimed to understand the experiences and challenges of 44 nurse entrepreneurs who reported on their: 

  • Transitions from employment to entrepreneurship

  • Key motivators in the decision to start a business

  • Challenges as entrepreneurs in the healthcare field

The study found that psychological empowerment factors were more motivating than financial gain or organizational constraints. The top psychological empowerment factors were

  • Meaning / purpose

  • Having an impact

  • Need for growth

  • Making decisions 

The participants reported higher rates of self-care practices than a norm community sample, and while some work/life balance challenges were identified, the biggest challenges were identified as implementing a marketing strategy, networking, and accessing mentorship.

Ethical concerns also contribute to inner conflicts nurses experience. A recent study of 11 nurse entrepreneurs found they were particularly concerned with ensuring their ventures do no harm.7 My experience talking with hundreds of nurse entrepreneurs confirms that fear of harming people often deters them. These findings point to the need for educational pathways through which nurses can develop business skills aligned with nursing’s moral and ethical values.

Opportunities

According to the American Holistic Nurse Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), holistic nursing aims to heal the whole person, grounded in the inherent interconnectedness of self, others, nature, and spirituality. Holistic nurses are instruments of healing and facilitators in the healing process, honoring the patient/client’s subjective experience of health, health beliefs, and values and viewing the whole person and his/her needs in their entirety, with integration as the goal8.

Emerging from holistic nursing, holistic nurse entrepreneurship offers enormous potential to contribute to holistic solutions and elevate the nursing profession’s role, power, and identity. I would love to see BSN nursing programs introduce foundational concepts of entrepreneurial nursing and develop that knowledge base in advanced-level programs.

My Point of View

I’ve learned from more than 40 years as an entrepreneur that small business development follows a fairly predictable process with specific developmental milestones to be met in each stage.

The Holistic Nurse Business Development Process™

When nurses learn to use this process, they feel more satisfied with their careers and become more empowered contributors to solving the holistic problems that individuals, groups, communities, and environments face.

To actualize their potential, entrepreneurial holistic nurses need evidence-informed holistic business education and mentoring designed by nurses. For example, most conventional marketing and sales education involves some level of pressure or manipulation to get someone to say yes - even much of what is called heart-centered, conscious marketing education.


I believe we don't have to choose between ethics and effectiveness. We don't have to get good at 'pitching' or do things that feel like we're selling our souls. In fact, we can let go of 'going for the sale' entirely.


What can we do instead? We can acknowledge the truth of whether or not our offer is a fit between us and the one thinking of buying. However, we need at least three things:

  1. An evidence-based framework and map to guide our decisions

  2. A toolset that fits our values, and 

  3. Insightful feedback to help us develop our skills


If we don’t have all three of these things, we’ll take the long and exhausting road to success, and too many of us will fail.


In the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur programs at New Directions for Nurses, we teach marketing based on informed consent. This means we facilitate a caring, ethical, and conscience-led win-win for ourselves and the people we serve in every marketing and sales activity.

The Holistic Nurse Business Development Process™

The Holistic Nurse Business Development Process (HNBDP) helps nurse entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses by developing their holistic perspective, challenging and expanding the nursing culture and roles, and gaining confidence in evidence-informed business experimentation and value analysis.

The HNBDP involves translating conventional business processes into the Holistic Caring Process. Nurses 

  1. Receive tools for identifying their business stage of development and creating a marketing plan based on that stage

  2. Practice applying these tools to their business with feedback from an experienced nurse entrepreneur mentor, and 

  3. Leave with a refreshed mindset and refined skills so they can thrive as whole persons and succeed at serving more individuals, groups, and communities

See the image below. The PREPARE Stage assesses one's energetic, emotional, physical, financial, and relational resources and identifies one's entrepreneurial energy type. The next Stage (PROVE) confirms the feasibility and profitability of one’s ideas.


Sustainable Nurse Business Development Roadmap

From the summer of 2020 to the spring of 2021, I tested the HNBDP with a pilot group of seven nurse entrepreneurs. The results showed that the HNBDP helped nurses discover new levels of creativity, self-expression, and vitality that supported growing a thriving business. As a result, the HNBDP is now being offered as a holistic 60-hour continuing nursing education (CNE) program.

One of the program’s participants recently said, “The application of the nursing process to business development helped me see how to apply my nursing skills and knowledge to my business. It is helping me build confidence that, as a nurse, I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Learning about the stages of business growth has helped me see the path forward, and starting at the appropriate stage is helping me build a more solid foundation.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, entrepreneurial nursing represents significant potential for growth and development in individuals, contributing innovative solutions to health problems and disparities and empowering the nursing profession.


It is time for nurses, including those in academic, administrative, and leadership positions, to embrace the challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial process and empower themselves and their colleagues to put nurse entrepreneurship into action.


Learn about free and paid business development workshops, webinars, and coaching services for nurses, including our Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit.


References

  1. ​​Jakobsen, L., Wacher Qvistgaard, L., Trettin B., Juel Rothmann, M. (2021). Entrepreneurship and nurse entrepreneurs lead the way to the development of nurses’ role and professional identity in clinical practice: A qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing: Leading Global Nursing Research, 77(10), 4142-4155. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14950

  2. ​​BLS.gov. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3 (Retrieved December 31, 2022.)

  3. ​​Podlesni, M. Private email communication with the author on December 31, 2022.

  4. ​​Neergård, G.-B. (2021). Entrepreneurial nurses in the literature: A systematic literature review. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(5), 905-915. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13210

  5. ​​Horton, M. (2022). The 4 Most Common Reasons a Small Business Fails. Investopedia.com https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120815/4-most-common-reasons-small-business-fails.asp (Retrieved on December 30, 2022.)

  6. ​​Vannucci MJ, Weinstein SM. The nurse entrepreneur: empowerment needs, challenges, and self-care practices. Nursing: Research and Reviews. 2017;7:57-66 https://doi.org/10.2147/NRR.S98407   

  7. ​​Neergård, G.-B. (2022). Nurse entrepreneurs’ ethical concerns: A qualitative inquiry of the pursuit of opportunity. Journal of Nursing Management, 30(7), 2346–2356. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13850   

  8. ​​AHNCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS. (2013). A Position Statement on the APRN Consensus Model, Submitted to The National Council of State Boards of Nursing. American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. 

About Sharon Burch

Sharon Burch, MSN, APRN, PHCNS-BC, APHN-BC, HWNC-BC, is an expert in holistic nursing practice, continuing nursing education, and nurse business development. She has studied business in-depth, translated business practices into nursing practices, and lived the experience of a nurse entrepreneur since 1984. Sharon served as AHNA's Holistic Nurse Practice Specialist from 2016 - 2019. During that time, she was instrumental in producing and promoting the Integrative Healing Arts Program and AHNA’s holistic regional self-care conferences. Today, Sharon provides business development education, coaching, and mentoring to nurse entrepreneurs through her business, New Directions for Nurses.

Reach her at sharon@liberatednurse.com

Read more about Sharon's Nurse Entrepreneur story here.

*This article was originally published in Beginnings magazine and is reprinted here with permission from the American Holistic Nurses Association.

Recommended From the Liberated Nurse Blog

Learn what nurses should know about starting and growing a business, plus register for free access to business coaching with Sharon.

What every nurse entrepreneur should know
]]>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:56:00 -0600<![CDATA[What Every Nurse Entrepreneur Should Know About Building A Successful Business]]>https://www.liberatednurse.com/blog/post/what-every-nurse-entrepreneur-should-know-about-building-a-successful-businessLearn what nurses should know about starting and growing a business plus access to free business coaching with Sharon Burch, Nurse Business Expert.]]>

How to thrive in a nurse-owned business.

If you've ever wanted to transform your nurse coach, consultant, or healing arts business from struggling to thriving, then this message could be the turning point you've been waiting for.


Creating a successful nurse-owned business is about more than just hard work. It's about smart, strategic actions that align with your values and empower your goals and dreams as an aspiring entrepreneur. You want to attract and serve your clients, create financial stability, and feel fulfilled.


All of this is within your reach!


Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of attracting clients and growing your business, now you can follow a clear path to success and achieve remarkable results.


Take Maja Cæcilie, for example, a nurse coach who transformed her business from almost zero to consistent income through the holistic business development path. Initially insecure and lacking business education, she learned how to attract clients who gladly pay for her services, gaining deep insights into herself and her clients along the way.


Maja's experience shows how powerful the right strategies can be in transforming a business's fortunes. It highlights the direct impact of aligning business actions with professional guidance and offers a glimpse into the potential growth awaiting your business.

The harsh reality for nurse businesses

Many aspiring nurse entrepreneurs struggle significantly with starting their businesses and attracting the right clients. They often feel overwhelmed and unsure, which can lead to stagnant growth and a lack of fulfillment.

The core issue lies not just in working hard, but in focusing on the right tasks and strategies that will truly make a difference in your business.

For example, research indicates that only 40% of small businesses are profitable. This suggests a critical need for approaches that simplify and enhance business development processes, ensuring that businesses do not just survive but thrive by effectively engaging their clients and refining their services.

Perhaps you can relate

Maybe it’s happened to you already. You try to grow your business and attract clients, but end up feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. And sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try, you’re just never going to achieve the success you dream of.

There's a reason why

If you’ve ever felt like this, you are not alone. And it’s not your fault if you’ve tried to grow your business and failed so far.

You see, the reason why you struggle with business growth and client engagement is because common myths suggest that being a solopreneur and working harder is the key. But this approach can quickly lead to burnout and limited growth.

Expensive marketing courses and coaches may not effectively show you how to communicate your value to potential clients, leading to ineffective growth strategies. So those approaches can only work if you’re lucky.

That’s why this message may be the most important one you receive all year. Consider it carefully. Read it more than once. Then you decide if this is what many nurse entrepreneurs are saying it is...

“A Cure for Struggling to Grow Your Business & Attract Clients”

Sharon Burch. Nurse Business Consultant

I’m Sharon Burch, a dedicated nurse entrepreneur in the field of business development and entrepreneurship coaching.


Having started, grown, and sold several successful businesses since 1984, I understand the unique challenges that come with successful business development. Now, my mission is to empower entrepreneurial nurses like you to create thriving and fulfilling businesses.


Over the years, I've developed an approach I call the "Liberated Nurse Business Developmental Stages and Steps", which has helped many nurse entrepreneurs overcome their fear of failure and overwhelm from not knowing where to start or how to prioritize their steps to start and grow their businesses.

This is the most effective blueprint available for nurses who are struggling to start a sustainable business or attract more clients!

Nurse Entrepreneur Business Roadmap by Sharon Burch


Helps You Attract and Serve Your Ideal Clients, Grow Your Business, & Increase Your Income

This method is straightforward and designed to cut through the noise and confusion that often paralyzes entrepreneurs.

You see, I’ve analyzed countless interactions and feedback from clients and associates I’ve worked with, as well as my own experiences.

I studied what made some nurse-owned businesses succeed in attracting clients and growing, while others remained stagnant.

The result was clear, and here’s why:

The entrepreneurs who succeeded were not necessarily those with more resources or more knowledge.

They weren't the ones working all night or handling everything by themselves, either.

Rather, they were the ones who strategically invested in their personal and professional growth, using the right approach for the stage of development their business was in!

Based on knowing their business’s stage of development, they focused on using the systems and strategies their business was ready for, making it much easier to understand their clients’ needs and position their services to attract and retain their ideal clients.

This approach is simple yet profoundly effective!

I recall the months during COVID when my health coaching business dwindled to almost nothing. It was that period that gave me the opportunity to reflect on my journey as a nurse entrepreneur. 

I saw how the hospitals were treating nurses and demeaning their value, and I saw that nurses would not be treated as professionals until they had the autonomy and freedom to choose their practice environment like lawyers, physicians, and other professionals do. 

Nurses need to learn how to be in business for themselves!

And I have valuable business experience and insights they need, 

For example, research from the Small Business Administration indicates that small businesses that effectively use partnerships grow 30% faster than those that don’t.

This approach allows you to leverage your business’s visibility and increase your reach.

But in order to effectively partner with others, you need to know what developmental stage your business is in!

Introducing the "Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit."

The Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit mini-course presents a structured, realistic path that gives nurses the tools they need to decide if starting a business is right for them.


It’s divided into five modules and designed to be completed in about 3 hours.


Each module provides facts and mindset support to help you answer the question, “Where do I start?”.


The Starter Kit is based on the Liberated Nurse Business Development Framework, which uses holistic theoretical and evidence bases to help nurses redefine their nursing practice by discovering their creativity, self-expression, autonomy, and fulfillment, without risking their RN license or financial security.


The Starter Kit translates the best conventional business practices into the Holistic Caring Process, which is part of the Holistic Nurse Scope and Standards of Practice. It emphasizes:

  • Professional empowerment - Expanding practice and autonomy to the top of one’s license
  • Ethical, holistic approach - Elevating both business skills and personal development
  • Evidence-informed methodology - Using established frameworks and standards
  • Supportive community - Creating peer and mentor networks for sustained growth
  • Self-awareness - Identifying personal strengths, limitations, and motivations
  • Financial sustainability - Establishing realistic business timelines and revenue models


The Starter Kit also includes tools to help you assess your readiness to move forward and invest in your next business development steps if you choose to, with clear criteria for evaluating potential programs and services.


Here’s What You Get
  • A downloadable mini-course with reading, worksheets, checklists, and videos
  • A realistic and actionable path to redefine your practice by starting your own business
  • Facts and mindset support to answer the question, “Where do I start?”

You’ll also receive a short daily email for 10 days, each with one small step for getting clearer on deciding “Yes! I’m ready to start a business” or “No. I’m not.”


After that, you’ll receive a value-packed weekly email with tips, tools, and wisdom for nurse entrepreneurs, as well as other email up-dates on my live events, new programs, and worthwhile offers from my colleagues.


Approximate time to complete this valuable mini-course: about 3 hours.


Includes Access to the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit Community

Meet like-minded nurse entrepreneurs who are in the same business development stage as you in our private online platform. Get ideas, support, and encouragement through your learning process.

And much more!

Nurses Are Saying...

"If you're stepping into the business side of healthcare, there's only one person you need in your corner — Sharon Burch. She’s not just knowledgeable — she’s the gold standard!. What she’s created is nothing short of brilliant: a powerful blend of business strategy, legal and ethical clarity, and the mindset transformation every entrepreneur needs. Sharon doesn’t just help nurses start a business — she helps them become business owners. With her guidance, the shift from “I want to be an entrepreneur” to “I am an entrepreneur” becomes not just possible, but inevitable.” ~ Teresa Walding, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC, Co-owner of Advancing Nurse Coaching


Click here to learn more about the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit mini-course!


Here’s to your liberation, freedom, and fulfillment!

The Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit Delivers Results Even If…

  • You’re curious, but not sure you’re ready to start a business – we focus on practical steps to assess your strengths, limitations, and need for preparation.

  • You’re starting without prior business experience - we help you see an accessible path for success, supported by continuous learning.

  • You’re concerned about finding the right place to start - we help you identify where you are now and your best next steps to move forward.

  • You’re struggling with inconsistent revenue – we help you stabilize and increase your income through effective strategies you’re ready for now.

  • You think you’ve tried every business development strategy out there – our business coaching for nurses offers customized solutions that address distinct personal challenges.

These approaches have helped many entrepreneurial nurses build successful businesses. I'm confident they will help you, too.

Here’s what you'll experience when you enroll in the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit mini-course:

  • Discover why most nurses fail to grow their business... and how you can avoid making the same mistakes by applying our expert principles, strategies, and insights.

  • Create a high-value experience for your clients and supportive and efficient business processes for yourself.

  • Take the crucial steps in each developmental stage of growing your business, guided by our comprehensive roadmap from start-up to scale-up.

  • Identify your WHY and define success your way, which is essential for true business fulfillment and long-term viability.

  • Break free from conventional nursing roles and start building your thriving business.

And much, much more. 


If you were to buy business coaching, entrepreneurial courses, or a business consultant, here’s what you’d face:

  • Business coaches often charge hundreds to thousands per month.

  • Entrepreneurial courses can be costly in money and time, with no personalized guidance.

  • Hiring a business consultant involves high hourly rates and a long-term commitment.


These options not only strain your finances but can also contribute to confusion, wasted time, energy, and opportunities, disappointment, and concerns about financial and legal risks if they are not fully informed about the regulations that must be respected to protect your nursing license.


In contrast, the Liberated Nurse Entrepreneur Starter Kit mini-course is based on the state Nurse Practice Acts and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice because it was designed BY nurse entrepreneurs FOR nurse entrepreneurs.

Enroll Now
]]>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 20:56:55 -0600<![CDATA[Becoming a Highly Successful Nurse Coach]]>https://www.liberatednurse.com/blog/post/Becoming-a-Successful-Nurse-CoachAre you a nurse looking to take your career to the next level and impact people's lives? If so, becoming a highly successful nurse coach might be your perfect path. As a nurse coach, you can provide excellent patient care and empower and inspire others to achieve their health and wellness goals.]]>

Unlock Your Potential & Transform Lives!

Are you a nurse looking to take your career to the next level and impact people's lives? If so, becoming a highly successful nurse coach might be your perfect path. As a nurse coach, you can provide excellent patient care and empower and inspire others to achieve their health and wellness goals.

This article will unlock the secrets to becoming a highly successful nurse coach and show you how to unleash your full potential. We will explore the skills, knowledge, and mindset you need to develop to excel in this rewarding profession. From building strong relationships with your clients to mastering the art of effective communication, we will cover all the essential components to help you transform lives.

Whether you are a seasoned nurse looking to pivot your career or a recent graduate considering your options, this article will provide valuable insights and practical tips to kick-start your journey as a highly successful nurse coach. Get ready to unlock your potential and embark on a fulfilling, impactful career that makes a difference!
Nurse coaches combine nursing expertise with coaching techniques.

The role of a nurse coach

A nurse coach combines their nursing expertise with coaching techniques to empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals.


As a nurse coach, your primary role is to guide, support, and inspire your clients to take an active role in their own well-being. You will work collaboratively with your clients to identify their unique needs, establish achievable goals, and develop personalized action plans to help them overcome barriers and make sustainable lifestyle changes.

At the core of your role as a nurse coach is fostering a strong, trusting relationship with your clients. You will use your active listening skills, empathy, and nonjudgmental approach to create a safe and nurturing environment where your clients feel comfortable sharing their struggles, concerns, and aspirations. Drawing on your nursing knowledge and coaching skills, you will help your clients develop a deeper understanding of their health, uncover their inner strengths, and unlock their full potential to achieve their desired outcomes.

As a nurse coach, you will also play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and holistic well-being. You will work closely with your clients to address their physical health and emotional, mental, and social well-being. Taking a comprehensive, person-centered approach will empower your clients to make informed decisions, cultivate healthy habits, and ultimately improve their overall quality of life. Your role as a nurse coach is to be a catalyst for positive change, helping your clients transform their lives and achieve their highest health and happiness.

Transforming lives as a nurse coach

As a nurse coach, you have the incredible opportunity to transform your clients' lives in profound and lasting ways. By combining your nursing expertise with your coaching skills, you can empower individuals to take control of their health, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a nurse coach is witnessing your clients' personal growth and transformation. Whether you help a client manage a chronic condition, support them through a major life transition, or guide them in developing healthier habits, your impact on their lives can be life-changing.

As you work with your clients, you'll see them overcome obstacles, develop a deeper self-awareness, and cultivate a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Your role as a nurse coach is to catalyze this transformation, providing the support, encouragement, and accountability your clients need to achieve their goals. By fostering a strong, trusting relationship with your clients and empowering them to take an active role in their well-being, you can help them unlock their full potential and live their best lives.

Below is a partial list of ways to expand your role as a nurse coach.
  • Health Promotion and Prevention: Nurse coaches play a vital role in preventive care by educating clients on healthy lifestyle choices, risk factor reduction, and early detection of health issues. They empower clients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
  • Advocacy and Navigation: In complex healthcare systems, nurse coaches can advocate for their clients, helping them navigate the system, access resources, and coordinate care.
  • Emotional Support and Resilience: Nurse coaches provide emotional support and guidance to clients facing health challenges, helping them develop coping mechanisms, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook.
  • Behavior Change and Motivation: Nurse coaches specialize in understanding the psychology of behavior change. They utilize motivational interviewing techniques and other evidence-based strategies to help clients set realistic goals, overcome barriers, and sustain healthy habits.

Benefits of becoming a nurse coach

Becoming a nurse coach offers a wealth of benefits for you and the clients you serve. 

Career Satisfaction and Fulfillment: One of the primary benefits is the high level of job satisfaction that comes with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives and a real difference in their health outcomes. As a nurse coach, you will be privileged to guide your clients through their health and wellness journeys, helping them overcome challenges and celebrate successes.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: Another significant benefit is the flexibility and autonomy of being a nurse coach. Nurse coaches often have more control over their schedules and can choose to work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, or online.  Unlike traditional nursing roles that often involve strict schedules and hierarchical structures, nurse coaching allows you to create your practice and work on your terms. You can choose the clients you work with, the services you offer, and the hours you dedicate to your work, enabling you to achieve a better work-life balance and pursue your passions.

Personal Growth and Development: Nurse coaches continuously learn and develop their skills, staying updated on the latest research and trends in healthcare and wellness. As you hone your coaching skills, you'll have the chance to continuously learn, expand your knowledge, and stay at the forefront of the latest trends and best practices. This ongoing learning and development can enhance your expertise and position you as a respected authority in the nursing coaching community.

Financial Rewards: As a growing field, nurse coaching offers competitive earning potential, especially for those with specialized certifications and experience. And there’s no ceiling to limit what you can earn.

Skills required for nurse coach success

To become a highly successful nurse coach, you must develop a unique blend of nursing expertise and coaching skills. 

Empathy and compassion: Nurse coaches must demonstrate empathy and compassion toward their clients, creating a safe and supportive space for them to share their experiences and challenges.

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is key to building strong client relationships. Nurse coaches must actively listen to clients' needs, concerns, and goals and communicate clearly and concisely. As a nurse coach, you'll engage in deep, meaningful conversations with your clients, so listening actively, asking insightful questions, and providing empathetic support are crucial. You'll need to build trust, foster open and honest dialogue, and tailor your communication style to each client's needs. 

Ethical and professional boundaries: Nurse coaches must adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain professional boundaries to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients and themselves.

Cultural Competence: Nurse coaches must be culturally sensitive, respectful, and aware of their clients' diverse backgrounds and beliefs, tailoring their approach to meet individual needs.

Strong clinical knowledge and a deep understanding of the human body, health conditions, and evidence-based practices: As a nurse coach, you'll need to translate complex medical information into easy-to-understand language, educate your clients on their health, and provide practical guidance on managing their conditions.

Critical thinking and problem-solving: Your clients will come to you with a wide range of challenges, and you'll need to analyze their situations, identify the root causes, and co-create customized action plans to help them overcome their obstacles. This requires a keen analytical mind, creativity, and a willingness to think outside the box.

Nurse coach training programs

To become a certified nurse coach, you must complete a specialized training program that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge. Several reputable nurse coach certification programs are available, each with its own curriculum and focus.

One of the most well-known programs is the Integrative Nurse Coach Certificate Program (INCCP), offered by the International Nurse Coach Association (INCA). This comprehensive program covers a wide range of topics, including the foundations of nurse coaching, holistic health assessment, mindfulness and stress management, and the business of nurse coaching. You'll receive a certificate demonstrating your expertise and field commitment upon completion.

Another option is the Nurse Coach Collective's Certification Program, which emphasizes integrating nursing practice, coaching, and holistic health. This program delves into the science of coaching, the art of communication, and the importance of self-care for nurse coaches. Graduates of this program are awarded the Certified Nurse Coach (CNC) credential.

Other exemplary nurse coach training programs are Wisdom of the Whole, Advancing Nurse Coaching, and Transpersonal Nurse Coaching.

Nurse coach certification programs

Upon graduating from a nurse coach training program, you’ll want to secure a nationally recognized certification, so you have the credentials and credibility to attract and retain clients. Below are the two recommended certification programs for nurses.

Building your nurse coaching practice

Once you've obtained your nurse coach certification, it's time to start building your own coaching practice. This involves a range of activities, from defining your niche and target clientele to setting up your business infrastructure and marketing your services.

Visit LiberatedNurse.com for business education, coaching, and support to start and grow your nurse coach practice.               

One of the first steps in building your nurse coaching practice is identifying your unique value proposition. What sets you apart from other nurse coaches in the market? Maybe you have a specialty in chronic disease management or are particularly skilled in helping clients overcome mental health challenges. Clearly defining your areas of expertise will help you attract the right clients and position yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

As you establish your nurse coaching practice, it is important to create a strong online presence. This may include building a professional website, maintaining an active social media presence, and creating engaging content (such as blog posts, webinars, or video tutorials) that showcases your expertise and helps potential clients connect with you.

Marketing strategies for nurse coaches

Effective marketing is crucial for building a successful nurse coaching practice. While word-of-mouth referrals can be a valuable source of new clients, a well-rounded marketing strategy that reaches a wider audience is also important.

Visit LiberatedNurse.com for marketing education and support.              

One powerful marketing strategy for nurse coaches is leveraging digital platforms' power. This may include optimizing your website for search engine visibility, creating a strong social media presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, and engaging in email marketing campaigns to stay connected with your existing and potential clients.

Another effective marketing approach is positioning yourself as a thought leader in the nurse coaching field. This can involve writing guest blog posts for industry publications, appearing as a guest speaker at relevant events or webinars, or even starting a podcast or video series. By sharing your expertise and insights with a broader audience, you can build credibility and attract new clients drawn to your unique perspective.

Below are the most popular ways to get clients.
  • Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and potential referral sources can help you grow your practice.
  • Client Testimonials and Success Stories: Sharing positive client experiences and outcomes can be a powerful marketing tool.
  • Content Marketing and Social Media: Creating valuable and informative content, such as blog posts, articles, or videos, and sharing it on social media platforms can help attract and engage potential clients.
  • Public Speaking and Workshops: Offering workshops or speaking engagements on relevant health and wellness topics can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field and reach a wider audience.

Challenges nurse coaches might face in their practice

  • Scope of Practice and Role Confusion: As a relatively new field, there can be confusion about the scope of practice for nurse coaches, both among healthcare professionals and the public. Nurse coaches must clearly define their roles and boundaries to avoid misunderstandings and potential legal or ethical issues.
  • Client Resistance and Motivation: Clients may struggle with motivation, ambivalence, or resistance to change, making it challenging for nurse coaches to help them achieve their goals. To address these challenges effectively, nurse coaches need to be skilled in motivational interviewing and other behavior change techniques.
  • Emotional and Mental Health Issues: Clients may present with complex emotional or mental health issues that require specialized knowledge and expertise. Nurse coaches must be aware of their limitations and refer clients to appropriate mental health professionals when necessary.
  • Time Management and Workload: Nurse coaches, especially those in private practice, can find it challenging to balance client needs, administrative tasks, and self-care. Effective time management and organizational skills are essential to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Financial Sustainability: Building a successful nurse coaching practice can take time and effort. To ensure its sustainability, nurse coaches need to develop strong business skills, including marketing, networking, and financial management.
  • Staying Updated and Evidence-Based: The field of healthcare and wellness is constantly evolving. Nurse coaches must stay updated on the latest research, trends, and best practices to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to their clients.

The Future of Nurse Coaching

  • Integration into Healthcare Systems: Nurse coaching is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of healthcare delivery, with more hospitals and clinics incorporating nurse coaches into their teams.
  • Technology and Telehealth: The use of technology and telehealth platforms is expanding the reach of nurse coaching, making it more accessible to clients in remote or underserved areas.
  • Focus on Prevention and Chronic Disease Management: Nurse coaches can play a key role in addressing the growing prevalence of chronic diseases by promoting prevention strategies and empowering clients to self-manage their conditions.
  • Holistic and Integrative Approaches: Nurse coaching is evolving to incorporate more holistic and integrative approaches to health and wellness, addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of clients.

Conclusion: Embracing your potential as a nurse coach

Becoming a highly successful nurse coach is an incredibly rewarding and impactful career path. By combining your nursing expertise with the power of coaching, you can make a lasting difference in your clients' lives, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals and unlock their full potential.

Remember to embrace your unique strengths and talents as you embark on this journey. Continuously develop your skills, stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, and build a strong support network within the nursing and coaching communities. With dedication, passion, and a commitment to transforming lives, you can become a highly successful nurse coach and profoundly impact the individuals and communities you serve.

Start your journey toward becoming a highly successful nurse coach today! Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling, impactful career that truly makes a difference. 

Visit LiberatedNurse.com for business education, coaching, and support to start and grow your nurse coach practice.              
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