[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you looking for business ideas that leverage your unique skills as a nurse? Look no further than this list of 20 possibilities, all carefully curated with the nurse entrepreneur in mind.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to valuable clinical and scientific knowledge, nurses develop strong [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing/”]critical thinking[/hen-ui-link], communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills. All these skills are valued in many professional settings — and by a large number of potential customers or clients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’ve been thinking about a way to supplement your income, move away from bedside nursing entirely, or just make a few bucks with a new hobby, check out our list of business ideas for the modern nurse, from your neighborhood to Hollywood.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Business Ideas for Nurse Entrepreneurs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several options open to nurses such as consulting, coaching, and education. These business ideas for nurses are for those who want to explore their entrepreneurial spirit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Private Practice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than half of all U.S. states have granted [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]nurse practitioners (NPs) full practice authority[/hen-ui-link], meaning NPs in this state can evaluate, test, diagnose, and treat patients independently, without physician supervision. Other states grant practice authority on a more limited basis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While this option is limited only to NPs living in full-practice authority states, this can be a great option for a business-minded care provider. You will need strong clinical, diagnostic, and business skills to maintain and grow your practice. It is important to start with a business plan that identifies every detail, including:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Insurance strategies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Start-up capital[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focus of your practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Permits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National provider identifier[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Malpractice insurance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supplies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private contracting also can be a strong option for NPs, depending on your goals and strengths. Owning a practice allows you to choose your treatment approach, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/holistic-nursing/”]such as holistic nursing[/hen-ui-link], and control the growth and direction of your practice.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Coach[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The truth is that many people hope to become practicing nurses, but the path isn’t always easy. Career coaching helps nurses help prospective healthcare workers realize their dreams of entering nursing or a similar field. You can guide them through what to expect, help them make informed decisions, and provide emotional support along the way.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must be willing to network and market your services. These professionals need to be honest, realistic, and comfortable with explaining the rationales behind their advice.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Script Consultant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admittedly this one is a little less likely than some of the others on this list. But we can still have a bit of fun, and this dream job is very real. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Why? Because the world of healthcare is always evolving, and directors and writers in show business need expert healthcare consultants to ensure dialogue is accurate and authentic. These consultants help bring the action to life with characters that are true to both the general public and healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Taking a scriptwriting course could ease your ability to collaborate with the film staff. These nurses must be clear communicators, and be willing to contribute to the creative process.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Spa Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also known as cosmetic nurses, medical spa nurses work in the beauty industry. They provide aesthetic treatments under the care of a licensed healthcare provider. Treatments often include noninvasive options to rejuvenate the skin and body, like laser surgery or microdermabrasion. Medical span nurses can work in plastic surgery centers, medical spas, and dermatology centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioner training program[/hen-ui-link], NPs must gain experience in areas like dermatology or plastic surgery. They may then seek certification from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://psncb.org/” target=”_blank”]Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link]. Courses are available through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://aaams.net/course/aes-101-v/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw74e1BhBnEiwAbqOAjLCdZguAQsF15KSiFdEqhDYVRopxj_VZKTppaTm0TtaN3gEJHpmhexoC9o4QAvD_BwE” target=”_blank”]American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery[/hen-ui-link], as well as other organizations.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Home Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home health is a fast-growing industry. In 2023, the home health industry [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.statista.com/statistics/185249/persons-employed-in-home-health-care-services-in-the-us-since-2000/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20there%20were%20approximately,of%201.5%20million%20in%202016.”]employed 1.4 million people[/hen-ui-link] to meet the needs of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/04/28/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers-as-americas-largest-generation/”]71.6 million baby boomers[/hen-ui-link] who required care. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who want to start their own agency will require a business plan, employer ID number, funding, and a state license. Earning potential is an advantage, but the rising cost of equipment and difficulty seeking payment from Medicare and Medicaid can be challenging.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cannabis Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As researchers learn more about the body’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569″ target=”_blank”]endocannabinoid system[/hen-ui-link], cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oil are becoming more widely recognized and used as tools for combating pain relief and other medical issues, even certain types of cancer. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several options to get more involved in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/how-to-become-a-cannabis-nurse/”]cannabis nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Consultancies and dispensaries are two common examples of workplaces for cannabis nurses. Although the use of cannabis is increasing, it is still illegal or only partially legal in many places. Contact your state government to find out more about the rules in your state.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Intravenous (IV) Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can be certified as intravenous or IV nurses. IV nurses are experts in administering medications and fluids. This may involve an IV line, central line, or catheter, and can take place in a number of different settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As more patients seek care at home, the need for these professionals is growing outside the hospital. There are opportunities for IV nurses to open their own business or join a franchise business dedicated solely to the administration of IV hydration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are advantages to joining a franchise as you start with a recognizable name and support. However, you are limited to using the franchise suppliers’ products and the services the franchise allows.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Legal Nurse Consultant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/legal-nurse/”]legal nurse consultant[/hen-ui-link] helps law practices assess healthcare laws and guidelines, in part to determine whether laws have been broken. These professionals analyze and evaluate legal documentation and testimonies to offer a medical opinion on the delivery of healthcare and patient outcomes. They may also determine the nature and cause of documented injuries. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must hold an active [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN) license in the state where they practice to be legal nurse consultants. They also need strong [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]nursing “soft” skills[/hen-ui-link] in documentation, communication, and critical thinking. To sit for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://lncc.aalnc.org/LNCC-Certification” target=”_blank”]legal nurse consultant certification exam[/hen-ui-link], a nurse must have accrued 2,000 hours of clinical experience within the previous five years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This business idea for nurses requires little start-up costs and may be done from the comfort of your home. However, nurses must maintain their own license and certifications and find their own clients.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Specialized Care Provider[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse entrepreneurs can partner with organizations to fulfill a unique need. For example, after working as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]labor and delivery nurse[/hen-ui-link], healthcare professionals with extensive experience in breastfeeding can become certified lactation counselors. Nurses who focus on wellness may practice holistic or alternative medicine.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In each case, the specialized care provider must have a background in business management, good communication skills, and a drive to help their clients. Most of these businesses require little overhead. However, these are typically not 9-to-5 businesses, so you must be prepared for calls or patient visits any time of the day or night.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Independent Massage Therapy[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like nurses, massage therapists must have a deep knowledge of human anatomy. Nurses who want to start their own massage therapy business have the advantage of experience and knowledge of the human body. A massage therapy program can take up to 15 months to complete. Community colleges usually offer these programs. As always, ensure the program is properly accredited before you enroll.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State requirements for practical experience and certification may vary, so check with your state government to find out about your state laws and regulations. After your education is complete, you may be required to take a licensing exam.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Acupuncturist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practicing acupuncture requires a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology. Acupuncture uses a unique system to stimulate specific points on the body to improve health and reduce illness. It is one of the most researched complementary and alternative medicine practices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited acupuncture programs are common in many areas. National board certification confirms the skill level and knowledge needed for a successful practice. Most states also require a certification examination.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses need a workspace to treat patients, equipment, malpractice insurance, and billing procedures. Nurse acupuncturists may work solo or collaborate with other healthcare practitioners.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Wellness Coach[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Opportunities for health and wellness coaches are growing. More people are seeking out education and motivation to make lifestyle changes that impact their health. Health and wellness coaches work with nutritionists, fitness coaches, and complementary healthcare professionals to improve client health. Clients may hire a wellness coach to help them lose weight, reduce stress, quit smoking, or achieve a better work-life balance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must complete a minimum number of hours of education and experience. To be board certified, you must graduate from an accredited program. Wellness coaches must have strong assessment and communication skills. This practice focuses on education, motivation, and communication with clients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wellness coaches can work online, over the phone, or in person. How you choose to interact with clients determines your overhead expenses.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Yoga Instructor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yoga is rooted in Indian philosophy. However, in the U.S. it typically emphasizes physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Evidence shows that this complementary strategy can help people quit smoking, reduce stress, relieve menopausal symptoms, and lose weight.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The move to practicing and teaching yoga is popular among holistic nurses who focus on using more natural practices to maintain and improve health. Yoga instruction programs range from 200-500 hours, depending on your goal as an instructor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although certification is not required to practice, it does offer you the benefit of teaching in a studio space. As a certified instructor, you may teach classes privately, in a studio, or online.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical or Pharmaceutical Product Sales[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sales representatives sell medical supplies, equipment, or pharmaceuticals. Their buyers include doctors, facilities, and hospitals. They contact customers, answer questions, explain the product features, and negotiate the final sale. Even when they’re employed by a company, many sales reps work on a commission.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These reps sell medical supplies, equipment, or pharmaceuticals to doctors, clinics, facilities, and hospitals. It is their job to contact customers, answer questions, explain the product features, and negotiate the final sale. Pharmaceutical sales reps must become a certified national pharmaceutical representative. Once you’ve decided on your specialty, it’s important to get relevant experience. For example, if you are interested in psychiatric pharmaceutical sales, you’ll want to get an internship and shadow a sales rep in that market.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses working in pharmaceutical or medical sales must be experts at networking, communication, sales, and marketing. This business idea for nurses offers you the opportunity to grow your network independently and develop your sales skills.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Health Tutor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Were you a whiz at writing care plans? Can you list many of the body’s over 200 bones off the top of your head? Do you understand the relationship between the gut and the brain? You may be fully qualified to become a nurse or health tutor who works from home. Nursing students and other students struggling with health concepts look to tutors for help.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who want to work as tutors may work for tutoring companies, colleges or universities, or independently. Nurse tutors must have strong communication skills and love serving as a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educator[/hen-ui-link]. They have patience with their students. Nurse tutors should also have a sound invoicing system. The initial start-up costs and overhead are low. Nurses who work independently must also develop their own marketing strategies.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Influencer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are already influencers in their immediate circle of friends and family. You likely have been asked several questions about health and wellness. You can also use social media platforms to share your knowledge and insights to even more people.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need a professional profile on the social media platforms of your choice, such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube. It’s easier to establish yourself on one platform before adding another. Nurses can make money on these platforms after building their followers. The more followers you have, the more likely you are to land advertising or sponsorship gigs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse influencers create content for posts, network with other influencers, guest post on blogs, and appear in podcasts or videos. The start-up costs may include that of a camera, recording equipment, and marketing.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Childbirth Educator or Doula Services[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who are childbirth educators or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/becoming-a-nurse-midwife-vs-doula/”]birthing doulas[/hen-ui-link] support their patients before birth, and are often present during delivery. After spending at least two years on a maternity unit, you may be interested in furthering your education and services. This allows you to branch out and work independently of hospitals and clinics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doula offers continuous physical, emotional, and educational support throughout pregnancy and childbirth, but not clinical support. Doulas help women make informed decisions, such as deciding between [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/at-home-births-vs-hospital-births/”]at-home births versus hospital births[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://icea.org/get-certified/birth-doula-icbd/” target=”_blank”]International Childbirth Education Association[/hen-ui-link] has a certified professional childbirth educator and birth doula program. It verifies that you have the necessary knowledge and skill to carry out pregnancy, labor, and delivery procedures.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Health Blogger[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is no additional certification or education necessary to be a health blogger. However, you must share accurate, evidence-based information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It may be easier to put your blog on a site, such as WordPress, but it’s best to purchase your own unique URL. This offers more protection. As your audience increases, you can boost your income by advertising products to your readers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health bloggers must have good writing skills, be efficient researchers, and comfortable with marketing themselves. It can take months to build your audience and earn an income.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Speaker[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular public speakers are engaging, entertaining, and great storytellers. Nurses have a lot of good stories to tell (leaving out patient names, of course!). You can captivate your audience with content that sends an important message.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll need to be comfortable speaking in front of groups or on camera. If you need to gain more confidence, try speaking in smaller groups first and working your way up. If your audience is allowed to ask questions, you’ll need to think quickly about your answers. Public speaking usually involves traveling, and you must have a professional website. Public speakers must be comfortable with networking and marketing their services.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Historian[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse historians document and publish changes throughout nursing history. They may also [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/nursing-writer-author-or-historian” target=”_blank”]act as historical consultants[/hen-ui-link] who fact-check medical details in books, articles, or videos to ensure the creators are accurately representing the nurses’ role. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse historians can use their knowledge to be guest contributors on blogs, or maintain their own. They may also write books and scripts about nursing.[/hen-ui-text]