From Bedside to Business

Intro  

I, too, struggled with burnout, grueling hours, unsafe patient ratios, hospital politics, and the feeling of being undervalued. As nurses, we often carry a huge sense of duty to remain at the bedside despite the challenges that make it miserable. Maybe you find yourself in a similar position to where I once was, thinking, “I’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point; I can’t simply abandon it all.” Or maybe you’ve grown accustomed to the comfort of familiarity. However, you arrived at this page, welcome

I had harbored a long-standing desire to venture into entrepreneurship, yet I found myself at a loss regarding what truly sparked my passion or where my strengths lay beyond the realm of bedside nursing. With the impending arrival of my first baby boy, just three months away, I finally allowed myself to explore alternative career paths for the first time. It became clear to me that once my son arrived, returning to the hospital setting was no longer an option.  

That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of IV Hydration Therapy, a term entirely foreign to me. Intrigued by its potential benefits and the prospect of establishing my own business, I, along with my two older sisters—who, like me, are nurses—decided to take the leap. After all, wasn’t the bedside always waiting for us? The span between that initial conversation and the grand opening of our doors (Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness) was only seven months. Since that transformative day, our lives have taken on a new trajectory.  

In this narrative, I’m going to share the insights gained during our journey—from bedside to business—in just seven short months, and to offer guidance on how you too can embark on a similar path of transformation.   

Give Yourself Permission to Consider Something Uncomfortable 

Reflecting now, I recognize that I was my own roadblock. I resisted entertaining the thought of something as unsettling as departing from the bedside. However, the moment I grasped the notion that discomfort often precedes growth, everything shifted. On your upcoming day off, as you’re lying in bed binging your favorite Netflix series, grant yourself the liberty to contemplate an alternative trajectory. Consider how pursuing that path, if successful, could profoundly impact your life.  

Research

The next step you’ll want to take is research. As the idea of leaving the bedside started to dominate my thoughts, I dove right in to exploring various alternatives. I investigated real estate, work-from-home opportunities—anything different from the bedside. That’s when I stumbled upon IV Hydration. Immersing myself in relevant Facebook groups, I started asking questions and chatting with fellow nurses. Very quickly I realized it was a perfect fit for me. Why? Because it allowed me to continue nursing while also owning my own business. I could care for people on my terms, without the hurdles and arbitrary evaluations of my worth by someone in a suit.  

Take Action 

Ooh, this is the scariest part, but also the most important part if you want to move the flag. There’s going to come a point where you have to stop thinking and just GO. FOR. IT. And it’s absolutely terrifying, but that’s also the part that makes it so amazing to look back at down the road. You have to put trust in yourself and just start. When we began our IV Hydration business journey, we had the hardest time finding any resources for how to start the business, iv hydration training, etc. Because of that, we created a comprehensive course called Business Startup Masterclass. This course is extremely in-depth and will walk you through every step of opening your business.  

This course offers thorough guidance, leading you through every step of launching your venture. You can find that here.

Put Your Head Down and Grind 

The final phase of transitioning from bedside to business is the grind. They say that becoming an entrepreneur is the hardest work you’ll ever do, and I couldn’t agree more. However, it doesn’t always feel that way. The reason? Because it’s YOURS. To expedite your journey to success, you have to put your head down and push forward. Work diligently, without seeking validation or recognition. It can be draining, and there will be moments of doubt when you question if you’ve made the right choice. But let me assure you, there’s a pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow. Keep persevering!  

Conclusion 

As I reflect on my journey from bedside to business, I’m reminded of the hurdles, doubts, and moments of fear I encountered along the way. Yet, among the challenges, there was also growth, fulfillment and significant financial gain. It’s natural to hesitate when considering a leap into the unknown, especially when it involves departing from the familiar comforts of the bedside. But in embracing discomfort, I discovered the path to personal and professional fulfillment.  

Entrepreneurship, as daunting as it may seem, offers unparalleled rewards—both professionally and personally. And while the journey may demand relentless effort and perseverance, the destination is undeniably worth it.  

So, to all those contemplating a similar leap, I encourage you to give yourself permission to consider the uncomfortable, to dive into research, to act boldly when the time is right, and to embrace the grind with unwavering determination. Remember, amidst the uncertainty lies the potential for incredible growth and fulfillment. And trust me when I say, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is well within reach. Keep pushing forward, and never underestimate the transformative power of following your dreams.  

XOXO,
Samantha Herrington