When we think about nurses getting published, our thoughts naturally turn to nurses in academia doing research or teaching. However, being published is actually for everyone.
Any nurse has the opportunity to be published, which can open the doors of possibility and reveal unforeseen career opportunities.
Why Get Published?
Dottie Roberts, EdD, MSN, MACI, RN, OCNS-C, CMSRN, CNE, has been the editor of the MEDSURG Nursing journal since 2002 and sees getting published as an equal opportunity.
“We think of publishing as something done by researchers and academics,” Roberts states. “However, all nurses are responsible for communicating information about practice innovations, particularly those impacting patient outcomes.”
Roberts continues, “Publishing allows nurses to share their knowledge and expertise and provides the foundation for evidence-based practice. Peer-reviewed journals offer an excellent medium for publication because of their high standards and wide readership.”
Roberts encourages a focus on peer-reviewed journals affiliated with nursing specialties.
“Dissemination of our experiences is critically important to benefit other nurses in their practice,” Roberts submits. “We share the results of our quality improvement or evidence-based activities or describe our encounters with patients with uniquely thought-provoking diagnoses.”
She adds, “We need to communicate research results to help nurses understand current challenges and mold future practice. Presenting at a conference is valuable, but publication benefits the profession more broadly by reaching a wider audience and building a body of literature that benefits current and future practitioners.”
For an individual nurse’s career, Roberts sees many potential benefits.
“Being a published writer brings recognition. Peers admire the nurse’s knowledge but also the ability to bring that knowledge to the profession. Along with presentations, publication can be recognized within clinical ladders and impact the potential for promotion. For nurses seeking entry into a competitive graduate program, being a published author brings an application additional attention.”
Roberts adds that sharpening writing skills can lead to career opportunities such as freelance writing, which can help a nurse earn extra income while educating others.
She describes her first major publication as “a book chapter for my member organization, the success of which gave me the confidence to take on other writing assignments for that association but also to write for national nursing textbooks and international journals.”
“I wrote exam prep materials and white papers for nursing certification programs. One opportunity led to another, and I know many nurses who have followed that same path in building their writing skills and resumes as reliable, effective authors.”
But How Do I Get Published?
Roberts advises, “Writing for publication requires work, but it’s open to anyone willing to devote the time to create an excellent product, and it’s not reserved solely for academics.”
“Nurses don’t need to be researchers to have a message worth sharing.” Roberts reflects. “Before that book chapter, I wrote a reflection for my hospital newsletter about a patient who had touched me greatly through her resilience.”
She continues, “I know every nurse has unforgettable patients, and experiences with those patients can inform peers and keep memories of patients alive. While journals don’t always publish personal reflections, they often publish case studies informing readers about specific patient care situations. Turning a reflection into a case study is a great way to start as a novice author.”
When seeking the right publication, Roberts states that editors always look for valuable topics for their readers. She recommends nurses familiarize themselves with specific journal styles and audiences to find the best fit for their writing.
She advises, “Although not all publications require it, you might submit a query letter explaining how your manuscript would benefit the journal’s readers. After the work of writing, finding the right publication will make acceptance much less difficult.”
Getting Involved
Nurses interested in being published can get involved in workplace projects and initiatives that lend themselves to being captured in writing. In this regard, Roberts shares:
“Quality improvement and EBP activities represent great opportunities for authorship. For example, clinical nurses may be involved in QI efforts to prevent falls or decrease CAUTI.”
“Readers are always looking for innovations to improve the quality performance of their units and may choose to replicate a project they read about. A nurse involved in developing a new policy can synthesize the relevant literature in a systematic or narrative review. Nurses who have returned to school often implement capstone or DNP projects in their practice settings; these reports also make great manuscripts.”
Where to Begin?
If you’re wondering how to get started, consider these steps shared by Dr. Roberts:
Identify journals representing your specialty
Examine journals’ websites for author guidelines, topic wish lists, and types of articles the journals seem to prefer
Submit queries about topics you’re considering writing about
If an editor is uninterested, ask for a referral to a more appropriate publication
Identify yourself as a novice author, and ask directly if the editor and editorial board mentor less experienced writers
Roberts states, “At MEDSURG Nursing, we give a writer’s award each year to a first-time author to recognize this important step in professional growth. Unfortunately, there is no list of novice-friendly publications I can identify, but there’s no substitute for simply communicating with editors. The editor is likely hearing from readers and editorial board members and knows very well what topics would be valuable to them.”
The importance of finding the right journal cannot be overstated. “It all goes back to identifying the right journal for your planned writing effort,” Roberts concludes. “It may take some patience and willingness to try again if you receive an uninterested response. However, if you identify a topic that would be helpful to you and your peers, chances are other nurses would also benefit from its publication.”
In the final analysis, being published can help nurses gain recognition, advance in their career, and contribute to the growing body of nursing literature. While it may not be for everyone, the experience of being a published author can offer a significant career boost and a sense of great personal and professional accomplishment.
In recent years, there has been an increase in nurse entrepreneurs who have chosen a less conventional path in the healthcare industry. Nurses, known for their dedication and adaptability, are now moving beyond traditional direct patient care roles and venturing into side gigs and full-fledged entrepreneurial ventures.
This article examines the process of moving from idea to action, discussing the different stages of starting a business, the challenges encountered, and the unique strengths that nurses bring to the table. It aims to inspire an interest in starting your own side business!
Ideation Phase
Every entrepreneurial journey begins with an idea. For nurses, these ideas often stem from their everyday experiences and the challenges they observe within the healthcare system. The ideation phase is about recognizing a problem and envisioning a solution. Here, creativity meets practicality as nurses leverage their unique perspectives to identify opportunities for innovation.
During my time as a nursing student and new graduate nurse, I discovered that nurses needed more support and career guidance. In my personal experience, a clinical instructor laughed at me and told me I would never become an emergency nurse. This response shocked me and pushed me to pursue my passion for working in the emergency department.
As my career progressed, I became a preceptor, mentor, educator, and coach. I realized I had a talent for providing career guidance to nurses and empowering them to work towards their career goals. Many have referred to me as the ultimate “hype woman” due to my ability to motivate others.
One day, I realized I could turn my skills, abilities, and expertise into a business. I identified a significant gap in career guidance for nurses, recognizing that nursing offers many different opportunities and career paths. On June 21, 2021, I founded Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach LLC. Today, I am an energetic Nurse Career Coach, author, freelance writer, speaker, and corporate trainer focusing on leadership development, professional advancement, creating healthy workplaces, and branding.
Identifying Opportunities
Nurses encounter numerous pain points in their daily routines—inefficiencies, gaps in patient care, and unmet needs. These experiences can spark ideas for potential business ventures. The key is to remain observant and curious, always asking, “How can this be improved?” For example, noticing a lack of specialized patient education materials might inspire a nurse to develop a series of informative, easy-to-understand guides.
Another idea is to develop nursing products by nurses for nurses. Nurses have a deep understanding of healthcare and are filled with solutions. Nurses possess many transferrable skills in business, such as problem-solving, adaptability, communication, negotiation, leadership, change management, psychology, human behavior, and simply connecting with people.
Market Research
Market research is crucial. This involves assessing the demand for the proposed solution, understanding the competitive landscape, and identifying the target audience. To gather data, nurses should utilize resources such as online surveys, focus groups, and industry reports. A great example would be how the newspaper industry has lost its demand. Think about the problem you are solving and how significant the demand could be.
Understanding the Industry
The healthcare industry is vast and complex, with its own set of terminologies and regulations. For a nurse transitioning into entrepreneurship, learning the business aspects of healthcare is essential. This includes understanding the business terms and speaking the language, such as ROI (Return on Investment), market segmentation, and customer acquisition costs.
The Learning Curve
Venturing into business can be daunting, especially when faced with the steep learning curve of understanding market dynamics, financial management, and marketing strategies. For many nurse entrepreneurs, this phase involves consuming a wealth of knowledge from various sources.
Self-Education
Books, online courses, and seminars become invaluable tools. Titles such as “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Business Model Generation” by Alexander Osterwalder provide foundational knowledge. Additionally, “The Brand Flip” by Marty Neumeier offers insights into branding—a critical component often misunderstood in the early stages of business development.
YouTube University
Platforms like YouTube offer a plethora of educational content. From tutorials on business plan creation to digital marketing strategies, nurse entrepreneurs can find step-by-step guides and real-world advice. The visual and practical nature of these videos helps demystify complex concepts.
Taking Action
While knowledge is power, action is paramount. The transition from planning to execution is where many aspiring entrepreneurs falter. However, the most effective learning often comes from doing—trial and error is an integral part of the entrepreneurial process. Taking action is the best way to move forward in your business, and it is part of a continuous improvement cycle.
Implementation
Launching a business requires a proactive and growth mindset. Start small, with pilot projects or side gigs, and gradually scale up based on feedback and results. This iterative approach allows for adjustments and improvements along the way.
Overcoming Challenges
Entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, from financial constraints to market competition. Nurses, accustomed to high-pressure environments and critical decision-making, are well-equipped to navigate these obstacles. Resilience and adaptability are vital traits that aid in overcoming setbacks.
Building a Business: Personal and Professional Growth
Entrepreneurship is as much about personal development as it is about business success. It demands continuous learning and self-improvement.
Client-Centric Approach
To succeed in business, entrepreneurs must undergo a significant shift in mindset. They must understand that clients care primarily about their own needs and how quickly their problems can be solved. This client-centric approach is essential for building lasting relationships and gaining trust.
Investing in Yourself
Investing in personal development—whether through courses, coaching, or networking—is crucial. Although spending money on yourself and your business may sound daunting, this is the fastest way to improve your business.
Personal Branding and Visibility
In the realm of entrepreneurship, personal branding cannot be overstated. It is imperative to be visible and communicate your value proposition. Building a personal brand and becoming a thought leader in your niche can differentiate you from competitors.
Understanding Branding
As Marty Neumeier explains in “The Brand Flip,” branding is what the audience says you are. It’s the perception held by your clients and customers. Nurses must create a strong, authentic brand that resonates with their target audience. In order to understand your brand, you have to know yourself and your purpose and values.
Social Media and Networking
Leveraging social media platforms to create organic content and engage with potential clients is essential. Attending networking events, both online and offline, helps build connections and foster relationships within the industry.
For nurses interested in starting a business but not quite sure where to start, here are some potential ideas.
10 Nurse Business Ideas
Nurses possess a unique blend of skills and qualities highly transferable to business.
Here are ten business ideas for nurse entrepreneurs:
Nurse Consultant: Providing expert advice to healthcare facilities on improving patient care and operational efficiency.
Freelance Writer: Writing health-related content for blogs, magazines, and websites.
Health Coach: Offering personalized wellness and nutrition advice to individuals seeking healthier lifestyles.
Home Healthcare Agency: Providing in-home care services to patients.
Medical Billing Service: Managing billing and coding for healthcare providers.
Telehealth Services: Offering remote consultations and follow-up care.
Continuing Education Provider/Tutor: Creating and delivering educational programs for nurses.
Patient Advocate: Assisting patients in navigating the healthcare system.
Medical Equipment Sales: Selling specialized medical equipment and supplies.
Medical Spas/IV Therapy: Providing skin, beauty, and hydration-type services in a medical spa is a booming industry.
Actionable Steps to Start Your Business
Here are five actionable steps to help nurses kickstart their entrepreneurial journey:
1. Conduct Market Research
Identify your target audience and understand their needs.
Analyze competitors and market trends.
2. Develop a Lean Business Plan
Outline your business model, value proposition, and revenue streams.
Set clear, achievable goals and milestones.
3. Open Your Business and Select a Structure
Register your business and obtain the necessary licenses.
Choose a suitable business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC).
4. Decide on Your Business Model
Determine whether you will provide a service or sell a product.
Develop a pricing strategy and sales plan.
5. Focus on Brand, Sales and Marketing
Build an online presence through a professional website and social media.
Be visible and build a brand people want to be a part of.
Network with potential clients and industry professionals.
Create marketing campaigns to promote your business.
Building Relationships and Trust
Success in business hinges on building long-lasting relationships. Honesty and reliability are the cornerstones of trust. Making people know, like, and trust you is essential for sustained growth.
Networking and Engagement
Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops.
Engage with your audience through social media and email marketing.
Conclusion
Nurses have a unique opportunity to leverage their skills and experiences to create successful businesses. By embracing continuous learning, investing in personal development, and building strong client relationships, nurse entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve lasting success. The journey from side gigs to full-fledged businesses is filled with lessons and personal and professional growth.
It’s time to stop overthinking and take action! Take the steps towards building your dreams!
Nurses who are creative, curious, and passionate about expanding their nursing careers often find a nursing business to be an ideal path for them. These nurses, also known as “nursepreneurs,” provide exceptional patient care and are natural innovators and problem-solvers, bringing innovation to the nursing profession. As role models and mentors, nursepreneurs inspire other nursing professionals to explore entrepreneurial endeavors, driving positive change in nursing.
Virginia Lynn Peterson, the nurse inventor and founder of SWOOP bras, is an innovator and problem-solver for nurses. With 15 years of nursing experience, Peterson understands the struggles faced by healthcare professionals, especially the discomfort of wearing a less-than-ideal bra during long 12-hour shifts in the emergency department.
Peterson crafted a solution: an innovative line of bras and loungewear tailored for healthcare workers and active women. The line prioritizes comfort so nurses can focus on their work.
What started as a personal venture has evolved into a successful business. SWOOP’s mission is to support heroes by providing the finest undergarments and loungewear tailored to meet the unique demands of long shifts.
SWOOP’s product range now includes matching underwear, shorts, pants, and ultra-soft, cozy tunics for busy, active women everywhere.
Peterson shares insights into her journey of creating SWOOP. Below is an interview, edited for length and clarity.
Virginia Lynn Peterson, the nurse inventor and founder of SWOOP bras.
How did you come up with the idea for SWOOP Bras?
Having endured the discomfort of wearing unsupportive bras during lengthy shifts as an emergency room nurse, I identified a market gap for undergarments that seamlessly blend functionality, comfort, and style. Drawing from personal experiences and frustrations, I embarked on a mission to develop a solution – thus, SWOOP was conceived!
Why did you decide to start your side gig?
As an emergency room nurse, I recognized firsthand the significance of comfortable undergarments for individuals in demanding professions. Seeing an opportunity to address this need while pursuing my passion for design, I launched SWOOP as a side venture to cater to fellow healthcare workers and active women.
When did you start SWOOP, and how did you go about it?
SWOOP Bras took flight in 2020! Armed with my nursing know-how, I started by crafting bras solo, using the trusty sewing machine my mom gifted me at age 12. But as demand soared, I traded for a sleeker, fancier machine! With a blend of comfort, support, and one-of-a-kind style, I breathed life into my vision and unleashed the brand onto the world. And guess what? We still manufacture in Alaska and beyond – because some things are too good to change!
What product was first? How did you create a product line?
Our inaugural product at SWOOP was our signature bra, meticulously designed for all-day comfort and support. As demand surged and customers expressed interest in additional offerings, I expanded our product range to encompass underwear, loungewear, shorts, pants, and tunics – all crafted with the same commitment to quality and functionality. Notably, our tunics and bras remain our best-sellers.
Have you worked in consumer retail goods before you began SWOOP?
No, I hadn’t. Much of my journey has involved learning on the fly, supplemented by invaluable guidance from mentors and resources such as the small business development center and MEP.
How did you know there was a need for SWOOP Bras?
Ah, let me share the tale of Buffy! What a memorable name. So, Buffy swooped in and ordered a single bra. Fast forward three weeks, and bam! She’s back, this time snagging four more! I never even met Buffy, but that moment marked a turning point. That’s when my small business stopped being just a side hustle and turned into something bigger, something electric! It’s a pivotal moment that still gives me goosebumps.
What do you do now with SWOOP?
Right now, it’s all hands on deck! Our mighty crew of five handles everything – from production to marketing to shipping out orders. It’s a juggling act sometimes, but we’re a tight-knit bunch. We work hard, lift each other up, and always find time to share a laugh or two along the way.
Do you have previous entrepreneurial experience, or have you learned on the go?
My journey with SWOOP has primarily entailed on-the-job learning fueled by passion and dedication. Although lacking prior entrepreneurial experience, my nursing background equipped me with invaluable multitasking skills that have proven beneficial. I am sure any nurse can relate to that!
What do you enjoy most about your side gig?
Oh, the joy of running SWOOP! Seeing our real impact on healthcare heroes and active women’s lives has been incredibly fulfilling. When customers reach out with glowing reviews expressing newfound comfort and confidence in their SWOOP Bras, it’s like music to our ears! Plus, what about our community’s passion for women’s empowerment through our photos? Simply astounding! We aim to make every wearer feel like they’ve just stepped off the runway—an “off-duty bra model” in our fabulous products.
What are some of the challenges of being a woman-owned business?
As a proud woman-owned business, SWOOP has tackled its fair share of hurdles, especially in industries dominated by men who may not grasp the nuances of undergarments. Some find the topic uncomfortable, even embarrassing. Yet, in a world where men hold sway in various realms, we persist in our mission to educate and inspire them to overcome their discomfort. After all, there’s no reason to shy away from discussing something as fundamental as comfort and support!
What are the most significant rewards of having a nursing side gig?
The most fulfilling aspect for me has been transforming my passion into a purpose-driven business that positively changes people’s lives. Witnessing SWOOP evolve from a side project into a flourishing brand has been immensely gratifying and motivating. Entrepreneurship wasn’t originally on my radar, but I’m genuinely grateful for the myriad of blessings it has brought into my life!
Where can nurses buy SWOOP products?
Nurses can conveniently purchase SWOOP Bras online at wearswoop.com, and we actively engage with our nursing community through social media and events to raise awareness.
What’s next for SWOOP Bras?
SWOOP aims to expand its product offerings and outreach to serve a broader audience of healthcare workers and active women. I’m passionate about exploring innovative ventures and partnerships that align with our comfort, support, and empowerment mission.
What would you say to someone considering starting their side gig?
To aspiring entrepreneurs contemplating their side gig, I encourage you to follow your passion, persevere in the face of challenges, and seek support from fellow entrepreneurs. Embrace the journey, stay true to your vision, and never underestimate the impact of your ideas and dedication.
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
SWOOP Bras transcends mere lingerie – it symbolizes empowerment, comfort, and confidence for women across all spheres of life. Through SWOOP, I aspire to redefine women’s everyday comfort and support, one bra at a time.
Nurse entrepreneurship has grown exponentially in the 21st century. These days, it doesn’t take much research to discover that nurses are now enjoying the fruits of their labors in product development, consulting, coaching, writing, podcasting, and many other large and small business endeavors.
Nurses are knowledgeable, forward-thinking, and savvy. It’s no surprise that the most trusted profession has found many niches to leverage that trust.
My Side Hustle Story
In the first decade of the century, nurse entrepreneurship lived on the fringes of the online conversations occurring by and about nurses on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. At that time, podcasts were a new phenomenon beginning to catch hold in some industries, and blogging was growing quickly. During that first decade, nurse entrepreneurs began to capture increasing attention as pursuits like blogging, podcasting, and coaching began to catch fire.
I launched my blog in 2005, and as it focused on nursing, it became one of the first nursing blogs on the internet. During this time, I also learned about the growing field of coaching. As I attended workshops, gained knowledge, met others, and saw the growing potential of the coaching field, I found a way to launch a small side hustle as a career coach focused on nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, around 2011, conversations about podcasting were heating up on Twitter, and it wasn’t long before two colleagues and I launched RNFM Radio, arguably one of the first nursing podcasts in existence. This was soon followed by The Nurse Keith Show, my current nursing career podcast, which has reached almost 500 episodes.
At the same time, I discovered that many healthcare-related websites were beginning to seek out nurses with writing skills who would be willing to create relevant content for their growing online audiences. The freelance nurse writer concept was fairly novel in those early days, and I and several colleagues all found ourselves in demand as content creators for various online brands.
Building side hustles in blogging, podcasting, coaching, freelance writing, and public speaking has been a multifaceted undertaking with a steep learning curve and many twists and turns, but it underscores the reality that many nurses are seeing an avenue to self-generated income and opportunity through an enormous array of business opportunities.
The Current Nurse Business Environment
In this third decade of the 21st century, the notion of the nurse entrepreneur comes as little or no surprise to most individuals paying attention to these developments. The role of the “influencer” has found its way into numerous industries, and nurses are no exception. With nurses gaining traction with a growing number of traditional and online media outlets, some nurses have found themselves in the position of health coach, media correspondent, and resident expert.
For nurses seeking opportunities using their podcasting, speaking, coaching, and writing skills, the ability to create financially and personally rewarding side hustles and full-time businesses has never been stronger.
Along with the growth of nurse entrepreneurship has come the increasing profile of older established organizations like the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA) and newer groups such as the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders (SONSIEL). Online forums and networks also provide excellent support to nurse entrepreneurs, as do nurses who have fashioned themselves into business coaches able to support other nurses on these journeys.
Even though nurses don’t necessarily learn applicable business and marketing skills in nursing programs, this has not stood in the way of those of us who have chosen to pursue opportunities beyond the bedside. With access to a world of information and support currently available on the internet, self-taught nurse entrepreneurs are finding success, as are nurses who have coupled their nursing education with degrees in communication, marketing, and business administration.
With the flourishing ability to create an online presence through blogs, websites, podcasts, online video channels, and social media accounts, so has nurses’ ability to reach wider audiences grown exponentially.
Whether nurses seek to create online businesses, develop their medical products, work as consultants with large corporations, or establish traditional “brick and mortar” businesses like home health care agencies, wellness clinics, or aesthetic medical spas, the potential for success has never been more significant.
Nurse entrepreneurship has indeed come into its own. For nurses with the drive to have a few side hustles or a full-blown business endeavor, there have never been more possibilities and avenues to pursue.
Out of great tragedy, sometimes great good can come. Such is the case with Austin Simon, son of Tiffany Simon, MSN, RN, CCRN, whose passing away at the age of 15 months old sparked a program that promises to help save the lives of children across the country who suffer from medically complex conditions.
Born with a heart defect and undergoing a subsequent tracheostomy, Austin experienced a medical emergency when his tracheostomy was plugged. Simon and her husband called 911. When they arrived on the scene, they looked “terrified,” says Simon in an interview. Their EMS training had not prepared them for dealing with an infant with a plugged tracheostomy, and they resorted to bag-valve masking Austin, which was an incorrect procedure, as Austin didn’t have an airway above his trach. Tragically, Austin suffered a severe hypoxic brain injury and died after he had to be taken off a ventilator a few days later.
“This wasn’t just something that happened to my husband, Austin, and me,” says Simon. “This also happened to those paramedics that were on the scene. There wasn’t anybody that walked away from that situation feeling good or okay about it,” she says.
After her son died, Simon went to nursing school and wound up working in the same pediatric ICU at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha, where Austin was cared for for most of his life. There, she met Natalie McCawley, MSN, RN, CCRN. Years later, Simon worked as a trauma outreach coordinator at Children’s Nebraska, and McCawley served as transport outreach coordinator. McCawley had suffered her own loss, her niece Sydnee, who was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma at just six years old and passed away.
Together, they soon realized that the paramedics and EMTs they worked with had quite a bit of discomfort in caring for children, especially those with special healthcare needs. Simon and McCawley thought, “Sydnee’s and Austin’s stories are just one of a few,” says McCawley, whose father was a volunteer EMT. “And so we finally looked at each other and said, if not us, then who? What are we doing to offer resources and training to the communities, keep these families at home, and allow them to be taken care of in their home communities?” says McCawley.
“We both decided that this was something that we needed to do not only for our patients but also for the medical communities that serve them,” says Simon.
Launching Project Austin
Started in 2015 at Children’s Nebraska, Project Austin provides a standardized care model for first responders and community emergency departments with patient-specific information, resources, education, and training. According to Simon, the eight-person Project Austin team identifies children who are patients at Children’s Nebraska and have complex medical needs. They then work with the family to create an emergency medical plan, including the EMS system and community hospital in that plan. The program serves over 2,000 children across eight states and partners with some 700 EMS departments.
“We’re trying to redefine what ‘healthcare team’ means and include that child’s local 911 system, EMS, and their community hospital,” says Simon, a supervisor at Project Austin. “Including them into that plan makes them part of the child’s healthcare team.”
“Our outreach is specific to EMS and the community emergency department,” explained McCawley, Project Austin program manager – external affairs. “With Project Austin, we provide education and training and very robust emergency medical planning within the home communities. We look at the resources within that community so we can work with the resources they have available.”
For children with medical complexity, “It’s not if they’re going to have a medical emergency, it’s when they’re going to have a medical emergency,” says Simon. “It’s making sure that that team responding to them and that medical emergency is prepared and ready to care for them.” The results so far are impressive, including a 27% reduction in hospital admissions, a 23% reduction in ED visits, and a 50% decrease in overall hospital length of stay.
Going National
Simon says the team wants to expand Project Austin, which won an ANCC Magnet Prize last year, into a national collaborative. The goal is to “work with regional pediatric hospitals across the nation so that they can deploy Project Austin within their facility to assist other children with medical complexity as well as the EMS and community hospitals that serve them,” says Simon.
The emergency medical plan is a paper plan that parents, EMS, and emergency departments have on file. Project Austin is now converting to a QR code system via a web- and mobile-based application. Simon says that each child will be given a QR code that can be scanned to access that emergency plan.
“It takes a village,” says McCawley, “and that’s what we’re doing is bringing a village together to care for these medically complex kids.”
As nurses, there are times when we want to share our knowledge and passion with a broader audience. Whether educating patients on the importance of preventive care or advocating for better healthcare policies, our voices carry immense power.
But what if we could take that power and amplify it through media?
As a nurse entrepreneur, you have the unique opportunity to leverage media platforms to elevate your brand, promote your products and services, and make a meaningful impact on public health. And who better to understand this journey than another nurse who has walked the same path?
On my own media journey as a nurse, I have come to understand both the challenges and potential of media exposure.
With over 25 years of healthcare experience, I have become a recognized TV medical correspondent and host of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, opening doors to business ventures, partnerships, brand collaboration, and even the ability to market and promote my products, services, and brands. My passion for health advocacy and community outreach inspired me to begin this media work. I soon learned all the benefits media has for budding entrepreneurs, so much so that I created MediaRX. This platform empowers healthcare professionals to amplify their voices and brands in the media landscape.
Our Unique Role as Nurse Entrepreneurs
As nurse entrepreneurs, we blend our clinical expertise with business acumen to create solutions that meet the needs of our communities. Whether you have your med spa practice or you’re selling health-conscious cookies, our firsthand experience with patient care gives us a unique perspective on how to meet our client’s needs that is both credible and relatable.
When we share our insights and expertise, we position ourselves as trusted thought leaders and experts in the public eye. This not only helps to make our brands more recognizable and trustworthy, but we’re also able to leverage our voice to raise awareness of our products and services, similar to what advertising and marketing companies do.
We can also use media to educate patients and health consumers beyond the bedside through educational outreach. By sharing our expertise through television segments, podcasts, social media, or articles, we can educate the public about important health issues and how our products or services can help.
Using media also helps us combat misinformation. In this age of misinformation, our voices are needed more than ever. We build trust and authority for our brands by providing accurate and reliable health information. Sharing our personal stories and the inspiration behind our products and services also brings a human touch to our brands. It makes our businesses more relatable and fosters a deeper connection with our audience.
The Benefits of Media for Nurse Entrepreneurs
Incorporating media into your business strategy not only benefits the public but also enhances your brand and professional growth in many ways:
Increased Visibility and Credibility: Media exposure elevates your brand’s visibility, showcasing the value and impact of your products and services. This increased visibility leads to greater credibility and recognition in the industry and increases lead generation and sales.
Professional Growth: Engaging in media opportunities allows you to develop new skills, such as public speaking, writing, and digital communication. These skills enhance your professional growth and open new business opportunities.
Building a Loyal Community: Sharing your expertise through media fosters a sense of community and loyalty among your audience. It provides a platform for sharing best practices and innovation.
Empowering Consumers: Using media to educate consumers about health issues and solutions empowers them to make informed decisions. This empowerment leads to better health outcomes and increased trust in your brand.
How You Can Leverage Media
Leveraging media as a nurse entrepreneur isn’t intuitive or easy. It involves several strategic steps that, quite honestly, extend beyond our nursing school education into the worlds of PR & marketing, advertising, content creation, and networking with media outlets. Here are a few steps to help you to begin leveraging media.
Identify Your Niche: Determine where you have the most expertise and passion. Ideally, this is aligned with your products and services. This will be your focus when creating content and engaging with media.
Create Valuable Content: Develop content that provides value to your audience. This could include blog posts, social media updates, videos, podcasts, or articles that address common concerns and how your products or services can help.
Engage with Your Audience: Use media and social media platforms to interact with your audience. Answer their questions, share tips, and provide updates about your business. This engagement builds trust and loyalty and positions you as an industry leader.
Seek Media Opportunities: Look for opportunities to appear on TV shows, podcasts, webinars, and articles. Platforms like MediaRX can help connect you with these opportunities, ensuring you reach a broader audience.
Build Relationships with Media Professionals: Network with journalists, bloggers, publicists, and influencers in your business space who are aligned with your products and services. Building these relationships can lead to more media coverage and collaboration opportunities.
I recognize the need for greater nurse representation in the media to lead important health conversations. As an entrepreneur, media doubles as a business tool, so I created MediaRX to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and media opportunities. MediaRX is a comprehensive platform designed to prepare and introduce nurse entrepreneurs to various media outlets to help their voices be heard.
At MediaRX, we thrive at the intersection of healthcare and media. Consider what we offer if you want to explore how your business can thrive using media.
A Tailored Platform: MediaRX is specifically designed for healthcare professionals to understand their unique needs and the importance of their expertise. The platform offers tailored opportunities that match the skills and interests of nurse entrepreneurs, helping them find the right fit for their media engagements.
Training and Support: MediaRX provides training and support to help nurse entrepreneurs succeed using media. From media training workshops to one-on-one coaching sessions, the platform equips you with the skills to communicate confidently and effectively through various media channels.
Building a Network: MediaRX fosters a community of healthcare professionals interested in media, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration. This network can lead to new opportunities, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Advocacy and Impact: By connecting nurse entrepreneurs with media opportunities, MediaRX helps businesses raise awareness of their products, services, and messaging. This allows them to advocate for important issues and influence public opinion, policy, and behavior. This impact can lead to meaningful changes in healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and grow your business.
The importance of nurse entrepreneurs in media cannot be overstated. Your unique perspective, expertise, and compassion make you invaluable contributors to health communication. By leveraging media platforms, you can ensure that voices are heard, respected, and impactful.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that nurse entrepreneurs’ role in media will continue to grow. By embracing this opportunity, you can elevate your brand, empower consumers, and drive positive change in healthcare. Let’s take the first step together with MediaRX and make our voices heard in the media landscape.
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