Nursing is a profitable and respected occupation, but with recent increases in work-related stress, many are considering leaving the profession. Over the years spent caretaking, nurses acquire specialized skills that can be leveraged into different ventures. In some cases, former nurses might consider striking out on their own and starting a business. If you’re a nurse looking to change careers, consider any of the below profitable business ideas.
Remain in Medicine
Medical professionals transitioning into a role as nurse entrepreneur have a variety of options in the medical space. Think about the things you love most about your current job. What if you could have a new position where you only provided that specific service or care? With community support and a bit of elbow grease, you can leverage your existing skills as a nurse into a new, medical-adjacent business. Former nurses have had success starting ventures such as IV hydration clinics, concierge nurse services, medical research assistance, medical spa centers, chronic care advocates, and more.
Try Wellness Coaching
Nurses spend their education and career providing treatment and wellness directions to patients. Those looking to leave the profession can take those skills into a new environment. Becoming a wellness coach, either as an independent coach or with a larger organization, can help nurses transition their knowledge to a new care base. Wellness coaching can include a variety of different specializations, including mental health coaching, physical fitness coaching, life coaching, and nutrition coaching. Plus, those who pursue this path get to flex their interpersonal skills while acquiring new clients.
Think About Investment Opportunities
Former nurses have significant experience making their money work for them. Why not make those funds do a little more? Nurses who own homes or have significant savings might consider pivoting into full-time investing. This can take several forms, including real estate investment, investing in local start-ups, and day trading. Local investment clubs can provide an easy way to get started. Real estate, in particular, can be a lucrative opportunity. If you already own a home, you can use a cash-out refinance to secure the funds for a down payment on a new property. Then, you can rent that out to tenants to pay the mortgage – and add some cash to your own bank account.
Transition to Real Estate
It’s no secret that nurses develop excellent interpersonal skills during their careers. Folks looking to leave medicine entirely should consider occupations where people skills are in high demand. Real estate, for example, is a great option for nurses who love interacting with people. Getting licensed for real estate transactions requires a bit of work, but most people find it to be an engaging and rewarding job. Be prepared to study for and pass state real estate exams in order to jump-start your new career.
Become a Doula
Sometimes, nurses want to continue providing medical care, but they want to do it in a more relaxed environment. Becoming a doula can be a great way to check all of those boxes. Doulas are professional labor assistants who provide both emotional and physical care to pregnant and birthing people. Doulas assist with the birth itself, but also with pregnancy care and post-birth support. Doula is, surprisingly, an acronym for exactly what these professionals provide: Dependable Objective Understanding Listening and Attentive care. For those uninterested in becoming birth doulas, there are also opportunities to become death doulas, transition doulas, indigenous doulas, and fertility doulas.
Consider Legal Consultancy
Nurses acquire a lot of specialized information while treating patients. They can easily turn this knowledge into a consulting business. More specifically, registered nurses can consult with attorneys on specific medical issues. Analyzing health records, speaking with former patients, and assessing workplace environments are all necessary in court cases that concern health and malpractice. Legal nurse consultants can educate the client and the attorney – as well as a jury, in some cases – on the specific health implications of a case.
Conclusion
Transitioning away from nursing requires a lot of work. But, in many cases, making a career change can improve quality of life – and your financial outlook. Any of the above business ideas can be a great fit for a former nurse.
