Written by: Julia Akinyooye RN MSN, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Nurses are often at the forefront of healthcare, providing direct patient care and ensuring that the needs of their patients are met. Nurses are also key members of the healthcare team, working alongside doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
However, nurses are also uniquely positioned to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. With their intimate knowledge of the healthcare system and their vast experience in patient care, nurses are well-equipped to start companies that provide innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
This week is National Nurses Week, and it is a perfect time to reflect on the contributions of nurse entrepreneurs to the healthcare system. In honor of Nurses Week, we had the pleasure of interviewing an extraordinary and inspirational Nurse Entrepreneur, Leader, Mentor, and Innovator the president of the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA) Michelle Podlesni.
Michelle Podlesni is a USN Veteran, RN for over 35 years and former corporate executive whose clinical background led to a career in healthcare information technology, medical cost-containment, and software development. Michelle brought her service orientation, enthusiasm, and diverse expertise to the corporate environment in roles from case management to product development to C-level executive management positions. She has a proven track record of leadership success in executive management of start-ups and established multi-million-dollar SaaS (software as a service) companies serving Fortune 500 clients.
Having made the decision to turn her business expertise towards coaching and training, Michelle wrote the bestseller “Unconventional Nurse: Going from Burnout to Bliss!” Michelle instructs nurses on the pivotal business skills that will accelerate, increase, and maximize nurse business owner success. “I believe nurses can do anything. Nurses make a real difference in the people’s lives that they touch. I’m passionate about empowering nurses and helping nurses make a difference in their own life by using their valuable nursing knowledge and experience to create a career and the life of their dreams”.
As a result of Unconventional Nurse Going from Burnout to Bliss! being published in 2013; being an author, speaker and coach led to Michelle being recruited in 2014 to become the president of National Nurses in Business Association, est.1985. The NNBA provides valuable business information customized for nurses, insight into healthcare industry trends, mentoring, and continued education in professional growth and career development. The NNBA is nurse’s bridge to business.
Away from work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and is an avid recipe photojournalist.
Tell us about your organization, its history, mission, success thus far.
Well since 1985, thousands of nurses looking for a change, desiring more freedom, and becoming their own boss, have chosen to advance their careers by becoming members of the National Nurses in Business Association.
Michelle, why do you think Nurses are seeking entrepreneurship now more than ever?
I think there was already a high percentage of burnout, over-whelm and dissatisfaction (40%) in the nursing workforce and this percentage was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past few years, nurses felt the healthcare systems did not have their back and support them. Also, half of nurses are over the age of 50 and have a tremendous accumulation of knowledge and experience. Nurse entrepreneurship provides different ways to have more autonomy, creative expression, and control over their work and finances.
How does your organization help nurses?
We have membership options for any nurses that may be interested in learning more about nurse entrepreneurship or networking with like-minded professionals. We provide business education customized for nurses, opportunities, marketing, and networking benefits outlined below.
Our Nurse Membership ($169.00) Includes:
The Nurses Business Training Center
Business Planning and Development Tools: Provides unique outlines and processes in video, audio and PDFs to help you: determine what business is right for you, how to start and plan your business, how much to charge, how to set up your office, and how to keep your business successful.
Continuing Education: Nurses can earn Contact Hours in nurse entrepreneurship and nursing businesses inside the Nurses Business Training Center!
Nurses Business Planning Toolkit
Nurses Business Plans
Start-up Cost Calculator
Quick Start Action Steps
Marketing and Networking Benefits
My Account Dashboard
NNBA Members Directory
NNBA Events Calendar – Free Advertising and Event Promotion
NNBA Annual Nurse Entrepreneurship & Career Alternatives Conference: NNBA’s signature event, this opportunity allows members to connect with colleagues and utilize professional development sessions to grow their businesses. Access to industry leaders with best practices, workshops, lectures, and great professional networking! NNBA Members receive $100.00 off registration.
NNBA Coaching Resource Directory
NNBA Newsletter Archives
Introductory/Discovery/Breakthrough Session
Member Blogger and Featured Expert PR
Affiliate Income Opportunity
Savings for NNBA Members
The National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA) is the premier nursing organization for nurse entrepreneurs and has been on-boarding nurses in business for over 38 years!
Does your organization have any upcoming events or special offers for Nurses?
Yes! Nurse Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Nurse Entrepreneurs, and Business-Minded Nurses are gathering on Thursday, August 3rd through Saturday, August 5th, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada for NNBA’s Nurse Entrepreneurship and Career Alternatives Conference. This conference is designed for those nurses that are exploring the idea of starting a business, those already in business and nurses looking for non-traditional career options. With a proven track record of success, this conference delivers valuable business information customized for nurses, insight into healthcare industry trends, mentoring, and continued education in your professional growth and career development. Conference Description, Hotel Info, Speakers, Topics Agenda and more here.
At the conference, nationally acclaimed nurse entrepreneurs and business leaders will provide nurses with the information, tools, and resources necessary to start your business or make your current business even more successful. In addition, there are five pre-conference workshops to provide you in-depth specialty knowledge, best practices and hundreds of ideas and tips, whether you are a novice or a seasoned business owner. It is a full agenda with presentations, interactive sessions, and powerful networking time. You will have plenty of opportunities with your colleagues to share innovative ideas and strategies, have discussions and explore potential collaborations, and simply enjoy the company of so many creative and like-minded nurses.
You will be joining and networking with nurses who have transitioned into the business world over the past 38 years, as well as nurses who are currently transitioning into new professional careers. Our veteran members’ resumes include thousands of nurse-owned businesses, awards, and millions in revenues. The experience, knowledge, and impact of our community is amazing as well as the support that is provided to fellow nurse entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. You will have the opportunity to make incredible and meaningful connections by networking with other NNBA members who share your interests and passion.
We encourage nurses around the country to attend!
Michelle Podlesni RN | President | National Nurses in Business Association
Founder and Author of UNconventional Nurse® Going from Burnout to Bliss!
Nursing entrepreneurship has grown over the years, and it is clear that nurses can provide valuable services to healthcare institutions and the industry as a whole. Through the growth of nurse entrepreneurs and the development of nursing associations specifically catered to nurses in business we hope to continue to support nurses. Providing value, insight and information to nurse entrepreneurs has helped many take the leap and launch their own business to create positive change within the industry. We applaud Nurses for their vigorous dedication to the healthcare industry during this week and beyond.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Youtube, or visit my website for more info!
Julia Akinyooye RN MSN, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Julia Akinyooye is the Chief Operating Officer at Emmanuel Consulting Agency Inc, a premium home care business consulting firm based in New York. Julia is a masters prepared professional Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience serving the home care community as an operational consultant, former homecare business owner, & serial entrepreneur. Her mission is to provide homecare entrepreneurs, start-ups, & established businesses with premium training & education to ensure compliance with state regulations. She has developed & implemented frameworks & strategies to set owners up for success through hands-on execution of all necessary business tools to ensure a seamless & efficient run of business.
