The Importance of Separating Nursing and Business

 What if we could meet our passion for providing accessible, affordable care and build a business that provides us with a sustainable living?
The truth is—you can. And I’ve found a way!

Early on, I realized that running an independent foot care practice required me to wear two hats: The Nurse and The Business Owner. And let me tell you—these two roles do not always agree! I had to stop apologizing for being a business owner and start organizing my world so both could coexist without compromise.

So, how did I reconcile the two?
By breaking down the big vision into smaller, actionable steps:

✅ Accessible, affordable care for clients
✅ A fair income for myself
✅ A secure and sustainable business model

After a lot of trial and error, I landed on what I call my 5 Steps to Success:

1. Organize Your Business Structure

This goes beyond writing a business plan. Many nurses step into independent practice because they want the freedom to nurse on their own terms. But here’s the reality: you can’t run a business as an idealist.
You need to break your role into three separate identities:

• The Nurse (Idealist): Focus on client care, treatment plans, and providing the best outcomes.

• The Businessperson (Realist): Set prices, manage payroll, create growth strategies, and make decisions based on numbers—not feelings.

• The Business (Foundation): Track sales, expenses, and profit. A strong financial base is the only way to build long-term success.

2. Advocate for Your Specialty

Foot care nurses are often undervalued in healthcare. We need to change that. Send reports to family doctors after each initial treatment, outline your findings, and share your treatment plans. Position yourself as an essential part of the care team.

And when it comes to pricing—don’t undervalue your skills.
If you charge less in long-term care than in your clinic, you’re sending the message that your expertise changes with location. It doesn’t.

We reduce wounds, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. That saves facilities time, money, and stress—and it deserves proper compensation.

3. Understand the Cost of a Treatment

Do you know what it really costs you to provide care? This includes tools, sterilization, time, and travel. If you don’t, you can’t set fair prices.
Don’t guess—run your numbers regularly.
Healthy bank accounts can be deceiving. Understand your cash flow and ensure your business—not your personal paycheck—covers supplies, upgrades, and innovation.

Stop pricing for the lowest income bracket. Instead, build subsidies or charitable options into your model for those who truly need financial help.

4. Advocate for Your Clients

When your business foundation is strong, you can get creative. Add personality to your clinic. Explore new services. Introduce programs for lower-income clients.
And don’t overlook retail—product sales are a huge part of advocacy. The right products improve outcomes and empower clients to care for themselves between visits.

5. Watch Your Business Grow with Integrity

At the end of the day, this is about respect:

• Respect for your specialty

• Respect for your clients

• Respect for your business

When you charge appropriately, you’re not just valuing yourself—you’re elevating the profession.

After 10+ years of learning the hard way, I’ve found the balance:

✔ Value your expertise
✔ Run a profitable, ethical business
✔ Give clients the tools and education they need
✔ Never apologize for being both a nurse and a business owner

Because here’s the bottom line:
The businesswoman runs the business.
The nurse focuses on the treatments.
And when both thrive, so do your clients.

✅ Want more practical tips for growing a foot care practice? Check out the other posts in my Playbook Series.

And come and see this idea presented live at https://vimeo.com/855807307?share=copy