From Bedside to Boardroom Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the world, known for its dedication, resilience, and compassion. But in recent years, a growing number of nurses are stepping beyond hospital walls and into the realm of entrepreneurship. These trailblazing professionals—known as nursepreneurs—are using their clinical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and compassion to build businesses that revolutionize healthcare, wellness, education, and beyond.
Whether it’s starting a health coaching practice, launching a tech startup, opening a med spa, or creating a product to fill a gap in patient care, nursepreneurs are proving that the nursing profession is not limited to scrubs and stethoscopes. In this article, we’ll explore real-life success stories of nursepreneurs who dared to innovate—and succeeded. Their journeys not only inspire but also highlight the limitless potential of nurses in business.
What Is a Nursepreneur?
From Bedside to Boardroom A nursepreneur is a nurse who starts and runs a business, either related to healthcare or in a completely different industry. These ventures range from clinical services, educational platforms, wellness coaching, e-commerce, and even tech startups. The nursepreneur movement has gained traction over the past decade, particularly as burnout rates rise and nurses look for greater autonomy, purpose, and financial freedom.
1. Ruth Oshikanlu, MBE – From Midwife to Health Innovator (UK)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Ruth Oshikanlu began her career as a midwife and health visitor in the UK. Her passion for improving maternal health outcomes and empowering families made her stand out in her profession.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire After gaining extensive experience in maternal-child health, Ruth launched her own consultancy and coaching practice focused on improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing perinatal mental health challenges. She became a respected voice in maternal health, authoring books and delivering TEDx talks.
Success Markers
- Founded Goal Mind Ltd, a leadership and coaching consultancy.
- Awarded MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to community nursing.
- Launched Abule CIC, supporting vulnerable mothers with healthcare access.
- Named one of the UK’s Top 100 BAME Leaders in Health.
2. Antonia Philp – Healing Hands Behind Nursem (UK)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Antonia Philp was a pediatric transplant nurse in Newcastle, UK. After suffering from chronic hand dermatitis due to constant handwashing, she couldn’t find a suitable hand cream that worked.
The Birth of a Product
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Antonia worked with her husband to formulate a therapeutic hand cream specifically for healthcare professionals. After perfecting the formula, they launched Nursem, a skincare brand designed to protect and nourish overwashed hands.
Scaling the Business
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Nursem appeared on the UK’s Dragons’ Den, gaining national attention. Since then, the brand has grown rapidly, with products stocked in Boots, ASOS, and other major retailers.
Mission-Driven Impact
For every product sold, Nursem donates a month’s worth of hand cream to a nurse or midwife in need. The company has pledged to donate 1 million units by 2026.
3. Mike O’Dell – The Quilting Nurse Anesthetist (USA)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom Mike O’Dell is a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in Oklahoma who found solace in quilting on his days off. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a niche business.
Turning Passion into Profit
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Mike began creating pop-culture-themed quilts, particularly inspired by Star Wars. He started selling them on Etsy and social media, and the demand exploded.
Results
Today, his quilt business brings in over $117,000 per month—all while still working part-time in healthcare. Mike’s story proves that nursepreneurship can extend far beyond traditional healthcare boundaries.
4. Joey Ferry & Taofiki Gafar-Schaner – Innovating Patient Safety (USA)
Background
While working as nurses, Joey and Taofiki noticed a serious gap in patient safety during seizure events. The lack of proper head protection during seizures often led to injuries.
Creating a Solution
They invented the SafeSeizure pad, a simple, self-inflating headrest that prevents head injuries during seizures. After months of prototyping and feedback, they brought the product to market.
Recognition & Impact
- Won the ANA Innovation Award.
- Their product is now used in hospitals and care facilities across the U.S.
- Inspired other nurses to pursue clinical product innovation.
5. Heather Colledge – The Elite Nurse Coach (USA)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Heather Colledge, a former ICU nurse, became burned out and unfulfilled in traditional bedside care. She knew she wanted to help others in a more holistic, impactful way.
Nurse Coaching Empire
Heather became a certified nurse coach and launched the ELITE Nurse to Coach Academy. She now helps other nurses transition into coaching careers, building six-figure businesses from home.
Impact
- Hundreds of nurses trained and launched into coaching businesses.
- Empowered a wave of online health-focused nursepreneurs.
- Proves that online business and coaching can be fulfilling and profitable for nurses.
6. Fungai Ndemera – Digital Health Trailblazer (UK / Zimbabwe)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Fungai Ndemera trained as a nurse but had ambitions to improve health outcomes on a larger scale through technology.
Entrepreneurial Venture
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire She co-founded CheckUp Health, an AI-powered platform that helps patients manage chronic conditions remotely. The tool became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Achievements
- Partnered with the UK’s NHS.
- Saved millions in healthcare costs through remote monitoring.
- Recognized by Innovate UK for her contributions to healthcare technology.
7. Tasha Davis – From Nurse to Wellness Coach (USA)
Background
Tasha was a registered nurse working in hospital environments when she realized many of her patients’ health issues stemmed from preventable lifestyle factors.
The Shift
She became a certified wellness coach and launched her own business focused on helping women improve their health through nutrition, stress management, and fitness.
Business Model
- Offers one-on-one coaching sessions.
- Hosts wellness retreats and online workshops.
- Created digital products including meal plans and habit trackers.
8. Brian Short – The Founder of AllNurses.com (USA)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Brian Short was a nursing student when he realized the lack of online forums for nurses to connect, share ideas, and support one another.
The Platform
He launched AllNurses.com, now one of the largest nursing communities in the world. The platform features forums, articles, job boards, and continuing education resources.
Success
- Millions of monthly visitors.
- Generates revenue through ads, premium memberships, and partnerships.
- Became a full-time entrepreneur running a site that supports the global nursing community.
9. Constance Ebanda – IV Hydration Lounge Founder (USA)
Background
After retiring from traditional nursing, Constance wanted to offer something more personalized and holistic to her community.
The Business
She launched New U Hydration Lounge, providing IV therapy, vitamin drips, and wellness consultations. The business took off, serving clients looking for preventive health solutions.
Why It Works
- Appeals to the wellness and self-care market.
- Provides high-ticket services with strong margins.
- Leverages her RN credentials to gain client trust.
10. Pamela Lee – Telehealth Nursing Leader (USA)
Background
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire Pamela had over 20 years of experience in nursing and felt it was time to bring care to people in new ways.
Innovative Solution
She created a telehealth nursing practice, offering virtual check-ins, chronic disease management, and nurse-led care coordination.
Results
- Built a six-figure income business within 18 months.
- Expanded services to multiple states.
- Shows how nurses can leverage technology to reach more people and scale care delivery.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Nursepreneurs
| Lesson | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Start with a Problem | Each nursepreneur identified a real-world gap or pain point to address. |
| Use Your Expertise | Your nursing background is a strong foundation—whether in tech, skincare, or coaching. |
| Embrace Lifelong Learning | Most invested in business skills, marketing, and leadership training. |
| Build Community | Collaboration and mentorship were essential for success. |
| Diversify Income Streams | Coaching, products, events, and content creation boosted income. |
| Start Small | Many began with side hustles before going full-time. |
| Impact Over Income | Focusing on helping others led to greater long-term profitability. |
Conclusion
From Bedside to Boardroom: Real Nursepreneur Success Stories That Inspire These inspiring stories showcase what happens when nurses combine their clinical experience with passion and entrepreneurial drive. From million-dollar skincare lines and tech platforms to coaching businesses and community health ventures, nursepreneurs are reshaping the face of healthcare innovation.
Disclaimer:
“I researched this information on the internet; please use it as a guide
and also reach out to a professional for assistance and advice.
This information is not medical advice, so seek your medical professional’s assistance.”
