Nursepreneurs

Our guests Meredith & Irina are nurses, chronic care management experts, teachers, and entrepreneurs who saw the disconnect between resources for chronic patients and proper care. Meeting through the NursePreneurs network, Meredith and Irina joined forces to coordinate care for patients, now teaching other nurses how to start their own CCM businesses! While most physicians are spread thin, spending an average of 11 minutes with each patient only, there’s a huge need for healthcare professionals to take on CCM roles. Through chronic care management courses, Meredith and Irina teach nurse entrepreneurs to fill in the gaps to coordinate additional care for chronic patients. Meredith and Irina help their students learn the backend of the business including training on marketing and networking to find clients. They also help their students keep a positive mindset in the face of rejection, helping them persist when the going gets tough. Giving students all the tools needed for success, Meredith and Irina are

Eric Dorsey is an RN with a background in ICU and EMT. Eric is currently working as a dialysis nurse and is a published author--you can find his novel My Father's Indian on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. While Eric enjoys his career as a nurse, he’s also passionate about creative writing and exercising his talent for story writing. Although he doesn’t reveal the entire mystery, Eric chats about the plot of his book, referencing patient sedation and certain themes of emotional wellness that derive from his experience studying psychology. Drawing from his own experiences in medicine, psychology, and just life in general, Eric’s novel is a bouquet of extreme characters that display relatable struggles. The writing process took around 6 months for Eric, while the year after was spent editing, publishing, and getting readers, and procuring an agent. Eventually, Eric self-published, signed with a distributor, and got two popular critics to review his novel. Eric also chats about marketing and advertisin

Our guests from the WellNurse Group, also called the Fifth Window, are a team of nursing professionals that joined up to tackle the difficulties of burnout in the healthcare profession. Originally a group of 10 nurses, this team is hyperfocused on self-care for nurses through apps, live streams, and other forms of continued support for nurses. By bridging the gap for healthcare professionals and wellness resources, Fifth Window is aiming to use application technology that is customized to specific organizations and individuals. With mental health check-ins, the application will help organizations understand the wellness status of their nurses and prevent poor mental health conditions and high turnover rates at the bedside. Bringing their unique experiences to the table, Fifth Window aims to support nurses and advocate for them, using their expertise as a basis for content. They’ve also done their research to gauge what would be a good starting point for content on their application. Through podcasts, liv

Our guest Kevin Smith is the founder of KMS Medical Products, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as a nurse, Kevin has worked in various fields of nursing including inpatient pediatrics, flight nursing, and organizational management, to name a few. Now Kevin focuses his time and energy on selling AEDs through his business KMS Medical. Taking an educational approach to sales, Kevin aims to provide leads with the knowledge they need to make educated decisions on purchases--this confidence is the foundation of his marketing methodology. KMS Medical Products sells AEDs and other medical equipment to a wide range of businesses and institutions, including schools, hospitals, grocery stores, venues, libraries, and everything in-between. KMS has sold other medical equipment in the past and plans to stay on top of new trends in medical equipment to help its clients stay ahead of the game. From COVID to a run-in with the FDA, Kevin has powered through hardship to keep his business operating. Now running from t

Melanie Wattles is a Pediatric Massage Therapist and the founder of Baby Strokes. Starting her journey in London, Melanie took a short break to work in Austin, TX and she’s been there ever since. From working in NICU to case management, Melanie has spent the greater part of her career working with babies. Having her son later in life, Melanie’s boss encouraged her to stay home with her son and enjoy her role as a new mom. Twelve years later, Melanie found herself longing to be back at work--which is why she began Baby Strokes! Already certified in infant massage, she took to teaching and gradually built her business based on educating parents and healthcare professionals on the benefits of infant massage, which include: Bonding & Connection Teething Pain Relief Decreased Stress Tummy Pain Relief Growing Pain Relief Digestive Support Relaxation, etc. Currently, Melanie is balancing her work and personal life to push forward with her business. From Zoom training to in-home classes and everything in-bet

This week's guest, Judy Meinen is an RN and the founder of Angel Care Healing Touch. As a skeptic of energy touch & healing, Judy’s teacher convinced her to try it out, and she’s never been the same! Judy immediately began to look for the science behind energy healing and discovered her passion--eventually starting her own business. With the help of her husband, Judy began to put together her business and start talking to people honestly about energy healing. Taking a scientific approach to energy healing, Judy helps her patients improve their immune response by starting with their attitude. When Judy was first starting out, she wasn’t sure how things would turn out but worked with skeptical clients that would provide her with honest reviews. From converting clients to experiencing the power of QXCI with her daughter firsthand, Judy has extensive experience with alternative modalities to increase wellness. Angel Care Healing Touch offers: Energy Healing Reiki Classes Hypnotherapy QXCI Ionic Foot De

Our guest Amanda Francis is the owner and administrator of a pediatric home health care company called Star Kids. With a heart’s desire in pediatrics Amanda began her career in pediatric care but quickly moved to acute care working in marketing and case management roles. With the help of her husband, Amanda designed each aspect of her business to meet her passions and personal goals. Fueled by her fire to offer patient-centered care, Amanda stepped out on her own, overcoming her fears and leaving her current job behind. Starting with a business license, Amanda took the proper steps to get her business off the ground--from CMS to finding patients, the entire process took over 20 months! Now Star Kids helps children from 0-26 by taking on shifts and offering compassionate and professional care from the comfort of their homes. Years ago Amanda and her husband birthed a miracle bay with Charge Syndrome. Coming back to their small townhouse from the hospital, Amanda and her husband experienced a huge invasio

Luann Marlow is an RN and the founder of The Dream Baby Cafe. With over three decades of experience as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Luann fulfilled her childhood passion of helping people by becoming a nurse! From pediatric oncology to primary care and working in a homeless shelter, all of Luann’s experiences have taught her unique life lessons that molded her as a person and a professional. Luann eventually found her passion by working with newborns! She also noticed a disconnect between the healthcare system and new mothers, realizing that new mothers don’t receive the proper education they require to properly care for their babies. After being laid off from her role in the newborn ward, Luann had the idea of starting her own business where she could help women find joy in motherhood. However, it was several years before she got her business off the ground. Working diligently to make her business her primary source of income, Luann is learning the ins and outs of business as she goes--combating impo

Our guests Michelle & Tracy are the co-founders of MissingLogic, LLC. Both with unique backgrounds in nursing/respiratory therapy, Michelle & Tracy’s paths crossed at hospital orientation, and they’ve been working together for three decades since. Working for over 25 years with a large global company that focused on healthy healing work culture, this dynamic duo fulfilled their legacy career and branched out on their own. MissingLocic began in 2018 as a resource for healthcare leaders and organizations to combat burnout and create thriving work environments for medical professionals and leaders. Taking a systematic approach to burnout, Michelle & Tracy use a mechanism called Polarity Intelligence™ to help leaders and organizations thrive. Honing in on making mindful choices and managing core inventions that we need to balance our lives, Polarity Intelligence™ gives healthcare workers a blueprint to finding a healthy work-life balance. From breathing exercises to problem-solving techniques, MissingLogic

Our guest Cheryl Hobbs is the founder of Class Act Consulting Services. With a natural desire for helping people, Cheryl recalls wanting to be a nurse since she was a young girl. Starting as a full-time night nurse, Cheryl was raising four children on her own, going to nursing school, and working nights--but she persevered, eventually earning a spot as an instructor. Exercising her desire to reach beyond her local emergency department, Cheryl became a panel review nurse with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. In addition to a passion for nursing, Cheryl was always interested in the law, and saw legal nurse consulting as an opportunity to exercise both of her passions at the same time! After taking a legal nurse consulting course, Cheryl and her business partner began their business. Starting with picking a company name, Cheryl and her partner began using the connections in their personal lives to find their first client. From graphic designers to attorneys, Class Act Consulting Services hit t

Amie Neumaier is a CANS and the Founder ANEU Med Spa. With over a decade of nursing experience, Amie was determined to break into aesthetic care from the start, however, as a new nurse, she began like most newcomers in the field--working in acute care! Equipping herself with a vast range of certifications, Amie began to apply for jobs in aesthetic care, eventually procuring a spot at a plastic surgery clinic. She was also instrumental in getting the board to recognize the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist niche! Following in her family’s footsteps as entrepreneurs, Amie decided to take the plunge and open up her own Med Spa in April 2018; all while studying to be a nurse practitioner (NP). Signing a non-compete agreement, Amie faced many challenges in marketing her business within the law. However, Amie’s understanding of the aesthetic industry shined through, and she began to win clients based on merit and experience. Amie’s team and client base continue to grow and flourish today. Accrediting her co

Brittany Hofmeister is the owner and founder of Companion Care. Starting as a caregiver in her teen years, Brittany pursued the nursing profession, first becoming an LPN and then studying to be an RN before deciding to become a business owner. Although Brittany did not finish her RN schooling, she found success as an entrepreneur through Companion Care, which offers non-medical services to seniors from the comfort of their homes. Combining her healthcare knowledge with the financial experiences of her loved ones, Brittany started her business from scratch. For the last decade, Companion Care has expanded into four different locations throughout Ohio and Florida and has upward of 50+ employees at its headquarters alone! Brittany understands that good business starts with taking care of employees, which is the mentality that she brings into her business ventures. With a focus on individuals, Companion Care compensates their caregivers well and has created an environment that puts people at the top of the tot

Agnes Loughlin is a former NP who’s been in healthcare her entire life. From case work to nuclear medicine, Agnes has labored in several healthcare roles, never forgetting her interest in psychology and holistic wellness treatments. Starting out selling wellness products in her late 50s, Agnes wanted to know more about alternative health practices, and began to explore preventative health avenues. With several positive experiences working in holistic health, Agnes continued to study integrative methods and eventually decided to start her own business, Miracles In Wellness! With the viewpoint that we’re “always selling our ideas”, Agnes accounts her success to years of inner work and her personal journey. Miracles In Wellness provides a range of services including emotional healing, evolving your joy, potentiate your DNA, Theta healing, and parasite elimination. Agnes even holds retreats for individuals seeking emotional growth and wellness, focusing on reaching higher brain living. Integrating a range o

Our guest Charlene Dimond is the founder of Integra Nurse. Working in pediatric nursing, (emergency care & intensive care) Charlene saw a disconnect in the compassion aspect of care given to parents of her patients. After having children of her own, Charlene shifted her focus to helping parents cope with the difficulties associated with pediatric nursing when she developed an interest in holistic care. Stepping outside the conventional medical system, Charlene mentions the growth of holistic care and integrative health models throughout the nation. Addressing the different aspects of health, holistic health is challenging conventional medicine and bringing back ancient practices to address health in a safe and non-addictive manner. Holistic health methods include Acupuncture Opiod-Free Pain Relievers Guided Imagery Reiki Essential Oils Yoga Charlene mentions the different ways nurses can get involved in holistic medicine. From helping children understand the benefits of integrative medicine to working i

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Susan Scherer, the CEO and Founder of Heavenly Hash Creamery. After working as a primary care nurse for nearly a decade, Susan started her first company working with Cancer patients and their families to navigate the aspects of their care. In 2018, she began Heavenly Hash Creamy which derived from the tragedy of personal loss. Taking a hiatus from her work, Susan went to a networking event where she connected with an individual who made ice cream. It’s this experience that got her thinking--how can we make a great tasting, high-protein, and refreshing product that cancer patients will enjoy and benefit from? The answer was cannabis-infused ice cream! As a gluten-free, low lactose, and high-protein ice cream company, her ice cream flavors are available in CBD and non-CBD infused flavors. After dissolving her first company, she focused her efforts on Heavenly Hash Creamery and has been instrumental in making laws and regulations that allow her clients to get a ta

Our guest Heather Darling is an APRN, Medical Director, Treatment Provider and the founder of Raw Inside & Out. A long way from her roots in healthcare as a CNA, Heather saw a gap between preventative health and the modern healthcare system. Studying lifestyle medicine and functional medicine, Heather gained the skills and expertise needed to jump out on her own and start her own business. Healthier’s passion for preventative health ignited her desire to provide her clients with non-invasive and transformative treatments. Starting with an in-depth health assessment, Heather works with her patients to identify areas of change, starting with food! In addition to health consultations and coaching, Heather’s practice offers a range of services including: Cannabis Consulting Telehealth Fillers Skincare Vaginal Rejuvenation Botox, and more! In cahoots with two partners, Heather’s business is beginning to expand and incorporate aesthetic and other health services for a well-rounded client experience. Raw

Tasha Triana is an RN and the owner of The Nurtured Nurse. With extensive experience in psychology Tasha was on track to earn her PhD when she caught the travel bug, finding her way to Costa Rica and many other beautiful destinations. It’s this passion for seeing the world that propelled Tasha to gain a better understanding of the human body, thus going back to school to earn her degree in nursing. Tasha’s experience with travel opened her eyes to a new world which organically grew into her business--The Nurtured Nurse. Starting with her business name, Tasha honed in on her passions for preventative health and helping others to develop a business. Tasha has had to adjust her life, retreats, and services to work around the current pandemic (including moving back to California from Nicaragua). However, as a believer that everything happens for a reason, she views this time as a time of growth where she can prepare for what’s to come. Through talks and virtual services, Tasha continues to help nurses and i

Our guest Shonda Broom is an experienced RN and the Founder of Coram Deo Holistic Center. With an affinity for home health, Shonda began a non-medical home health business early on where she provided a range of services to elderly and handicapped individuals. Closing her doors in 2016, Shonda began on a holistic path where she married her life experience with her healthcare education to create Coram Deo Holistic Center--but this did not come without its challenges! When she closed her doors to her first business, Shonda was depressed and experiencing health complications. Turning to cannabis, Shonda opened up the door to holistic modalities and began to study & experience healing in a whole new way. Shondra offers a range of holistic health options including Chakra Therapy, Readings, Crystal Therapy, and more! With a passion for helping people heal, she uses a range of health modalities to “help people see their purpose”. Constantly studying herbs and holistic modalities, Shonda learns from personal exp

Deborah Bernacki, is an RN, mother of 4, and the Founder & CEO of Happier At Home. Growing up in a traditional home, Deborah’s family didn’t push her to go to college, but this didn’t stop her from fulfilling her dreams! Deborah received a degree in Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Radiology Ultrasound. She kept pushing herself and eventually got a degree in nursing where she worked in the ER. With a desire to build her professional career, Deborah began to explore different nursing careers and decided that she wanted to start her own business as a Legal Nurse Consultant. While she found success in this, Deborah decided that she wanted to get hands-on which is why she began Happier At Home. Happier At Home is a business that provides in-home senior care. From care advocacy, medication management, companion care, and more, Happier At Home enables seniors to receive the care they deserve while staying in the comfort of their own homes. Deborah experienced home care first-hand when her mother was ill an

Pamela Taylor is the founder of NorthStar Med Consulting. After experiencing extreme burnout from her nursing roles, Pam decided to try home health as a change in pace, where she unexpectedly fell in love with the profession. With a passion for home care, Pamela decided to apply her \knowledge and create courses to help other healthcare professionals establish their own businesses in home healthcare. Pam mentions that home healthcare as an intimate form of care that enables professionals to build strong relationships with patients. It’s this intimacy and an entrepreneurial spirit that drove Pam to start her own business. Taking an integrative approach to home health, Pam took her firsts steps to creating her own home health agency. Now Pamela helps other nurse entrepreneurs start their own businesses in home healthcare. She offers a range of consulting services to entrepreneurs starting home healthcare businesses, hospice care, private duty businesses, and more! Pamela also compares and contrasts home hea