Nursing, one of the most respected and trusted professions, is now standing at an exciting crossroad. Its traditional career path has started to branch out into a myriad of opportunities, and entrepreneurship has emerged as a vibrant offshoot. Guiding this shift and shaping the contours of this new landscape is Catie Harris, the founder and CEO of NursePreneurs, a revolutionary platform dedicated to cultivating nurse entrepreneurship.

From a Blog to a Global Network

The seed for NursePreneurs was planted in 2016 as a blog.  It was an earnest initiative to mentor fresh nursing graduates and assist them in their transition into nurse practitioner roles. Over time, the initial idea took root and grew beyond its initial design. Today, NursePreneurs has metamorphosed into a thriving global network that comprises over 17,000 nurses. The impact of this transformative initiative is palpable with an impressive track record of 250+ businesses launched through the platform. This transition signifies not only the evolution of a blog into a global business but also the growing interest in and recognition of nurse entrepreneurship.

The Catalyst for Change

NursePreneurs is much more than a platform; it’s a reflection of Catie’s insights into what motivates nurses to embrace entrepreneurship. Contrary to the widespread perception of nursing burnout, Catie sees a different narrative. She perceives a burning passion within nurses. It’s a fervor to continue their work, to serve, and to make a difference. What they yearn for is recognition of their dedication, respect for their efforts, and tangible rewards for their insights gained from years of patient interactions.

Catie recalls a striking incident when a new hospital president sought external consultancy for a strategic plan. Ironically, the consulting firm gathered invaluable insights from the nurses themselves, who were the true stewards of knowledge and experience. However, it was the consulting firm that received the accolades and rewards, not the nurses. This incident highlighted the healthcare system’s overlooked gold mine: the wisdom and insights of nurses.

Redefining the Nursing Narrative

The vision of NursePreneurs isn’t just to facilitate entrepreneurship among nurses; it’s also about redefining the nursing narrative and resurrecting the lost purpose that many nurses feel within the existing healthcare system. Catie strongly believes these individuals aren’t burnt out but merely getting started on a new journey. They are recognizing that if they wish to make a meaningful impact and difference, they must step outside a system that overlooks their invaluable contributions.

Wake-up Call of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled yet another facet of the nursing profession. As nurses began to leave traditional roles for better-compensated travel nursing opportunities, it exposed a glaring issue — the systemic and management problems in healthcare that failed to value and respect nurses. The pandemic highlighted an uncomfortable truth: when an institution fails to recognize its most vital assets, those assets may look elsewhere for their worth. As Catie succinctly puts it, “Why not go after the money if that is all that is being offered?”

The Innovation Powerhouse

Nurses are more than just caregivers; they are, in many ways, the beating heart of the healthcare ecosystem. Their unique experiences on the frontline and deep trust relationship with patients place them in a prime position to innovate within the healthcare sector. They have an uncanny knack for spotting problems and coming up with innovative fixes. NursePreneurs aims to help nurses realize this potential, recognize their innovative thinking, and assert their value in shaping healthcare solutions.

Personal Growth as the Key to Leadership

For Catie, leadership is not just about directing or managing; it’s about personal growth and self-discovery. To her, a successful business is 90% about personal growth. This perspective underlines the importance of openness to learning, acceptance of coaching, and resilience in the face of challenges. Catie believes that the ability to persist, believe in oneself, and stay resilient can guide one toward their goals. She encourages nurses to be willing to grow as humans in order to serve as entrepreneurs.

The Power of Downtime

In the rush of our busy lives, especially for dedicated and hardworking nurses, the importance of downtime is often overlooked. Catie firmly asserts that constant busyness and action can act as a barrier to the flow of creative and innovative ideas. It’s essential to give oneself space to think, generate fresh ideas, and evaluate personal aspirations. Time away from the daily grind can lead to profound insights and breakthroughs. Catie herself witnessed this when she returned from a vacation with renewed vigor and a multitude of ideas for her team.

Revolutionizing Healthcare

Through NursePreneurs, Catie is leading a quiet revolution. She’s not only shedding light on the untapped potential of nurse entrepreneurship but also providing the tools and guidance for nurses to seize these opportunities. Her mission is to empower nurses to realize their worth, demand more for their skills, and discover novel ways to serve their communities. By doing so, Catie’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, not just for the nursing community, but also for the broader healthcare ecosystem that stands to benefit immensely from the wisdom, experience, and innovative potential of nurse entrepreneurs.