Nursepreneurs: Staying in Your Lane to Ensure Ethical Practice

Disclaimer: The following is not legal advice or intended to provide any legal guidance to nurses. Always consult with a legal professional.

Nursepreneurs aren’t just participating in the entrepreneurial wave—they’re leading it. The transition from traditional nursing roles to entrepreneurial ventures is transforming healthcare, and it’s nurses who are at the forefront. From consulting to creating innovative solutions, nursepreneurs are changing the healthcare landscape.

Starting your own business as a nurse is an exciting and empowering journey. But let’s get something straight right away: the title "nurse" is protected in every state. That means if you’re going to call yourself a nurse, you are legally bound to stay within the scope of nursing practice. Period. No exceptions. 

So, why is this shift happening now? Nurses are recognizing the power of their clinical expertise. It’s the unique combination of hands-on care, problem-solving, and leadership that makes nurses the perfect catalysts for change. More nurses are saying, “I can do more. I can create something impactful beyond the bedside.” Platforms like VIVE 2025 are fueling this revolution, highlighting the talent and drive that nurses bring to the entrepreneurial table.

Nursepreneurs are no longer confined to hospital walls. They are business owners, leaders, and innovators—creating businesses that elevate the entire healthcare system. But here’s the key: They do this without compromising their licenses or professional integrity. As a nurse advocate, I’m here to guide you through building a business that aligns with your values and ethical standards.

Nursepreneurs are reshaping the future of healthcare. If you’re ready to take the leap, the time is now. The opportunities are endless, and the change starts with us. Let’s lead the way.  As your go-to advocate, let’s break down how to thrive as a nurse entrepreneur without jeopardizing your license, reputation, or the trust of the public. #WWMD (What Would Maggie Do!)

Why Nursepreneurs Are Changing the Landscape

Did you know that there are over 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States, and a significant number of them are diversifying into entrepreneurship? The rise of nursepreneurs is not just a trend; it’s a revolution as nurses seek new ways to apply their skills beyond the bedside. From IV hydration clinics to coaching services, aesthetics, and wellness consulting, nurses are reimagining the healthcare landscape.

However, there’s an important question that every nursepreneur must ask themselves before venturing into business: “Am I staying in my lane?” Staying in your lane means operating within your legally defined scope of practice to avoid potential legal repercussions, including disciplinary actions from the Board of Nursing (BON). 

Nurses are bound by state-specific Nurse Practice Acts, which define the boundaries of professional practice. When launching a business, it’s essential to stay within those boundaries to ensure both your business’s success and your professional reputation.

What Does "Staying in Your Lane" Mean for Nursepreneurs?

“Staying in your lane” is a common phrase, but for nursepreneurs, it’s not just about ethical practice—it’s a legal obligation. Nurses must operate within the limits of their licensure, and this remains true even in entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you’re offering aesthetic treatments, wellness coaching, or IV hydration, each service you provide must align with your training, licensure, and state regulations.

For example, if you're running an IV hydration business, you need a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician or medical director to ensure that you're legally authorized to provide those services. Failure to secure proper medical oversight can result in legal challenges and potential loss of licensure. Similarly, as a nurse coach, while empowering clients is a noble goal, stepping into diagnosing or providing psychotherapy can quickly turn into a violation of your nursing license.

This brings us to an important point: using the title “nurse” holds weight. Once you adopt the “nurse” title, you are legally tied to nursing standards—even if your business focuses on wellness, aesthetics, or education. Nurses must adhere to the Nurse Practice Act in their state, regardless of where or how they practice.

Understanding the Legal Language

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) clarifies that the word "nurse" isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility. By law, if you’re using "nurse" in your business title or marketing, you’re holding yourself to the standards of nursing practice.

Here’s what that means:

• Scope of Practice is Non-Negotiable: Whether you’re a Holistic Nurse, Nurse Coach, or Nurse Consultant, your services must align with what’s legally defined as nursing in your state.
• Title Protection is Real: You can say, "I have a nursing degree," but the moment you call yourself "a nurse," you’re stepping into a legally protected role.
• Licensure Matters: You must maintain an active license and stay updated on your state’s regulations. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about accountability to the patients and clients you serve.

Stat to Know: More than 5,000 complaints are filed annually regarding nurses operating outside their scope. Don’t become a statistic—stay informed and stay legal!

10 Types of Nursepreneurs

The scope of nursing entrepreneurship is vast, and there are numerous paths you can take to create a business that leverages your clinical expertise. Let’s take a deeper dive into 10 common types of nursepreneurs:

1. IV Hydration Specialists

These businesses offer hydration therapy, vitamin infusions, and wellness services. However, they require medical oversight, such as a collaborative agreement with a physician or medical director, to operate legally in some states.  It is a nurse’s duty to know the law in each state.

2. Nurse Coaches

Nurse coaches help clients set and achieve different types of goals like wellness. But be careful—nurse coaches must not veer into diagnosing or treating medical conditions like depression or anxiety, as that crosses into the realm of therapy, which is outside the nurse’s scope of practice.

3. Aesthetic Nurses

Specializing in procedures like Botox, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation, aesthetic nurses must have additional certifications. Many states also require direct medical oversight from a physician for certain aesthetic procedures (Brown, 2023). Additionally, aesthetic nurses must prioritize continuing education to stay updated on best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving policies. Adhering to professional guidelines ensures compliance and enhances patient safety while maintaining credibility in this competitive field.

4. Holistic Nurse Practitioners

Holistic nursing focuses on natural healing practices, such as aromatherapy or acupuncture. However, these services should never be marketed as medical treatments unless the nurse holds the appropriate medical licensure (NCSBN, 2022).  Nurses incorporating holistic practices should clearly define their scope, ensuring patients understand these therapies complement—rather than replace—traditional medical care. Ethical practice and transparency are key to maintaining trust and staying within professional boundaries. If unsure about scope limitations, consulting state regulations or a professional nursing board can provide clarity.

5. Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs)

Legal Nurse Consultants assist legal teams by reviewing medical records, offering expert testimony, and providing case evaluations. While LNCs can be incredibly impactful, they must avoid offering legal advice, as this is outside their nursing scope.  Beyond Legal Nurse Consulting, nurses can use their expertise in a variety of non-traditional roles, including as healthcare risk managers, patient advocates, forensic nurses, and even in compliance and policy development. 

The nursing profession offers countless opportunities beyond the bedside, allowing nurses to leverage their knowledge in ways that impact patient care, legal cases, healthcare systems, and more. With the right education and guidance, nurses can carve out rewarding careers that align with their skills and passions—I offer a course that provides the foundation to get started!

6. Nursing Educators

Nurses can create educational businesses, offering courses and certifications for continuing education or aspiring nurses. It’s essential to ensure that all educational offerings comply with state regulations and accreditation requirements. Nurses have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be transformed into impactful educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and consulting services. Whether it's teaching proper documentation, guiding new nurses, or preparing professionals for specialized roles, the possibilities are endless. But before diving in, ask yourself—What Would Maggie Do? (WWMD). She’d make sure everything is legally sound, structured for success, and truly beneficial to nurses. If you're ready to build an education-based business, having the right foundation is key.

7. Telehealth Nurses

With the growth of telemedicine, telehealth nurses are providing care via video consultations. However, it’s crucial that telehealth services comply with both state and federal laws, including licensure requirements across state lines. 

Unless you hold a compact license or are licensed in a single state to practice in that state, crossing state lines without the proper licensure can cost you your license. We do not talk to patients outside of our licensed state, and we do not hold a telehealth license. This is very serious and an increasing reportable conduct. Violating these regulations can have severe consequences for your nursing career, including complications with insurance and liability coverage. Always ensure you're in full compliance with both licensure and insurance requirements before offering telehealth services.

8. Health and Wellness Consultants

Nurses in this space guide clients through nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness strategies. While coaching clients on healthy lifestyle choices is well within a nurse's scope, diagnosing or prescribing treatments outside of their training is not. 

We all need this reminder: unless you are an NP, we do not prescribe. We educate—this includes guidance on supplements and wellness practices. Nurses have been reported for stepping outside their scope, and it’s essential to stay within our lane, we educate on supplements but it’s always their providers who make the decision. Always remind clients to go back to their PCP and all of their consulting and managing providers for medical concerns and additional supplements to their regimen. Ensure your education and communication are clear, and that your policies are fully aligned with your scope of practice. Be upfront with clients about their agreement with you, and ensure they understand the importance of seeking advice from all of their healthcare providers for any treatments or diagnoses. Protect both your career and your clients' well-being by maintaining clear boundaries in your professional role.

9. Home Health Entrepreneurs

Home health businesses offer in-home care for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. Nurses in this area must comply with healthcare regulations around staffing, licensure, and patient safety protocols.

Thank you for all you do in this important space! However, unless your practice is cash-based, such as post-plastic surgery care, and reliant on Medicaid funding, it’s critical to be proactive in the current climate. It’s your duty to start speaking with your state leaders, risk management teams, and lawyers now to get guidance. Ensure you're clear on the policies from the BON, Medical Board, HHS, and other regulatory bodies. If funding is removed, patients will need to be discharged and either sent to the ER or directly admitted for care. This is a serious issue that requires preparation and communication with the appropriate providers, legal and nursing leadership to ensure patient care continuity even in funding gaps.  We all still have a DUTY to the patient that supersedes if funding is removed.  

10. Medical Spa Owners

Nurses running medical spas often perform non-invasive procedures like laser hair removal or body contouring. These services generally require special certifications and medical oversight to avoid violating nursing regulations (Brown, 2023).

If medical oversight is required in your state, ensure that it’s properly in place and documented.  Be sure the quarterly and annual requirements are being met both for the RN and NP.  I’ve seen nurse spa owners reported for issues like expired tubes in their crash cart or tubing, or not having policies in place. Remember, stay in your lane—RNs should not be performing procedures outside their scope of practice. Be sure to have legal counsel and business professionals assisting you to stay compliant with regulations. Proper documentation, regular equipment checks, and clear policies are key to running a successful, legally safe practice that doesn’t put your license at risk.

Applying the Rules Across Nurse-Owned Businesses

Let’s dive into specific examples to keep you on the right side of the law:

1. Holistic Nurses

• Stay in Scope: Holistic practices like aromatherapy, energy healing, or lifestyle coaching are fine—as long as you are not DIAGNOSING.
• Clear Communication: Avoid terms like “healing” that imply guarantees or medical outcomes unless you’re working within a clinical framework.
• State Specificity: Know whether your state requires additional certifications for holistic modalities.
• Get Professional Liability Insurance: Always protect yourself with professional liability insurance to cover any potential legal issues that may arise from your practice. It’s an essential safeguard for your business and career.

2. Nurse Coaches

• Mind the Language: You’re not diagnosing or prescribing; you’re guiding and educating. Use terms like "coaching clients toward better health" rather than "treating patients."
• Know the Law: Some states regulate the coaching industry—make sure your practice aligns with both nursing and coaching laws.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Make sure your clients understand your role as an educator, not a healthcare provider. Establish agreements that clarify your scope of practice to avoid confusion.
• Get Professional Liability Insurance: Always protect yourself with professional liability insurance to cover any potential legal issues that may arise from your practice. It’s an essential safeguard for your business and career.

3. Nurse Consultants

• Fact-Based Services: Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs) focus on case reviews, expert testimony, or educating attorneys—not providing clinical opinions.
• Paper Trail: Keep documentation of all advice and interactions. You’re working in a high-stakes environment where accuracy is everything.
• Stay Within Your Scope: Ensure that you’re only offering services related to nursing expertise. Do not offer legal advice, as it falls outside your scope of practice.
• Get Professional Liability Insurance: Always protect yourself with professional liability insurance. In high-risk fields like legal nurse consulting, having coverage is crucial to shield yourself from potential legal claims or mistakes that may arise.

Nursepreneur Do’s and Don’ts

As a nursepreneur, understanding what you should and shouldn’t do is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding legal pitfalls.

What to Do

1. Understand and Adhere to Your State’s Nurse Practice Act

Before starting any business, review your state’s Nurse Practice Act and become familiar with what is allowed and what is not. If you’re unsure, consult with a lawyer who specializes in healthcare law or a nurse advocate, like myself, who can help navigate these complexities.

2. Seek Medical Oversight

If your business involves clinical care or procedures, always ensure you have appropriate medical oversight. A collaborative agreement with a licensed physician or medical director is often required, particularly in IV hydration clinics or aesthetic practices.

3. Consult Legal and Business Professionals

Work with an attorney who specializes in healthcare and business law to ensure that your business structure is sound and legally compliant. Additionally, partnering with an accountant can help manage taxes and financial matters. As well as a CPA. 

4. Invest in Insurance

Protect your business and yourself by investing in professional liability insurance. This coverage can safeguard you in the event of legal action or allegations of malpractice.

5. Stay Educated

Healthcare regulations change, so it’s vital to continue your education. Keep up to date with changes in state laws, licensure requirements, and business regulations that may impact your practice.

What Not to Do

1. Don’t Practice Outside Your Scope

Never attempt to provide services that require additional licensure or expertise that you do not have. For example, providing psychotherapy or medical diagnoses without the proper qualifications is a violation of nursing law.

2. Don’t Ignore State-Specific Regulations

Every state has different regulations regarding nurse practice acts and what is required for nursepreneurs. Don’t assume that what’s legal in one state applies to another.

3. Don’t Overpromise

As a nursepreneur, you have an ethical obligation to set realistic expectations. Avoid over-promising outcomes, especially in fields like aesthetics or health coaching, where results can vary significantly.

4. Don’t Forget About Continuing Education

While starting a business is exciting, it’s easy to forget about maintaining your nursing education requirements. Ensure you meet your state’s Continuing Education (CE) mandates to stay in good standing.

WWMD: What Would Maggie Do?

Before diving into entrepreneurship, I encourage you to take time to reflect on your skills, experience, and expertise. You must also thoroughly review your state’s nursing laws and seek professional advice when needed. One mistake could jeopardize your business and your nursing license.

As a nurse advocate, this is why I provide education, tools, and resources to provide support through this process. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your business practices, it is always a good idea to ensure that you are in your lane.  Education, training, and knowledge are the keys to your success and exist to help you navigate these complexities with confidence.

• Plug Into Community: Join professional organizations like the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) or the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC). They’ll keep you informed and connected.
• Educate Yourself: Never stop learning. Take courses, attend webinars, and read up on changes in state and federal nursing laws.
• Get It in Writing: If you’re collaborating with other professionals, contracts are a must. They protect you and clearly define boundaries.

#WWMD Reminder: When in doubt, ask yourself: What Would Maggie Do? And if you’re still not sure, book a consultation with me. I’m here to help!

Why Staying in Scope Matters

Staying within your scope isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a promise to the public. As nurses, we’re trusted professionals. Operating outside your scope can lead to complaints, investigations, or even the loss of your license. Protect your career by staying educated, staying compliant, and staying true to the values of nursing.

Protecting Your Business and License

Nursepreneurs have the power to change healthcare for the better. But with this power comes the responsibility to stay within your professional and legal boundaries. By ensuring that your business practices align with your scope of practice, consulting with professionals, and staying informed about changes in healthcare laws, you can build a successful and compliant business.

Remember, staying in your lane isn’t a limitation; it’s the foundation for long-term success, ethical practice, and patient safety. Whether you’re considering starting an IV hydration clinic, becoming a nurse coach, or branching into the world of medical aesthetics, do it the right way—by following the rules and keeping the best interests of your clients and profession at the heart of your business.

Final Thoughts from Advocate Maggie

Nurse entrepreneurs, you’re stepping into a world of opportunity. But with great power comes great responsibility. Let’s keep it real, keep it legal, and keep it nurse-y. Together, we’ll build businesses that reflect the best of what nursing has to offer: compassion, expertise, and integrity.

Remember, it’s not just about what you can do—it’s about what you should do. That’s Nurse Love, Tough Love from Advocate Maggie, the Nurse’s Advocate

Maggie’s Advocacy: Your First Step Toward Protection

As I’ve always said, "Knowledge is power, and advocacy is protection." When you face an investigation, having a clear, structured response plan is essential. I advocate for nurses to help you through every step of the process—from understanding the complaint to securing your future. My work isn’t about just solving the problem—it’s about empowering you with knowledge and providing emotional support during this critical time.

As Advocate Maggie, I’m here to guide you through the investigation process, step by step. Whether you're dealing with a false complaint or simply trying to understand what’s at stake, remember: you have the power to protect your future. Don’t let a false complaint define your career—take action now to ensure the best outcome. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Advocate Maggie MSN RN.  Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance.  Remember - “The only dumb question is the one you do not ask.”  My door is always open, my fellow nurse.  

Looking for More Resources? I Got You Covered!

Remember my fellow nurses and healthcare providers that Advocates For Nurses is your one-stop shop for empowering your nursing journey:

• Online Charting Courses: Stay on top of the latest charting best practices to avoid documentation issues and earn a CE.
• "Guide To The Courtroom For Nurses" E-book: Learn how to navigate legal proceedings with confidence, just in case, something every nurse should purchase.
• Schedule a Consultation with Me: Need personalized guidance or want to discuss a specific situation? Remember as subscribers you receive a free 15 min consultation!

Visit my site for more advocacy tips, resources, and case reviews! And always remember, you've got a friend and advocate in Maggie Ortiz, RN, MSN!

🤔 Hey there my fellow nurses and nurseprenuers, we want to hear from YOU! Have you ever run into a situation where you were reported, or found yourself in a tricky spot while running your business? Share your story! Drop a comment below or send us a message with your experiences.