By Catherine Spears

Are you finding it tough to keep a healthy balance between your personal and professional life? Whether you're a dedicated nurse or a driven entrepreneur, juggling work and personal responsibilities can be a real challenge. But don't worry, I'm here to help! In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you achieve a fulfilling and balanced life, regardless of your profession. So, let's dive right in and discover how to take control of your life and find the ideal balance between work and play!

As nurses, we understand our roles in healthcare facilities and take pride in delivering our patients the best care and support, especially during their most vulnerable moments. But let's face it: our job demands a lot from us, and we're also expected to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Thankfully, most facilities have great support systems in place. Supervisors, Human Resources, and other facility stakeholders provide us with the necessary information and opportunities to achieve this balance in the workplace. So, stepping away from that type of establishment creates a new challenge for us to find work-life balance in our new role as entrepreneurs. I hope you will get inspired by this blog to find the perfect balance between work and personal life!

As nurses, we wear multiple hats, taking on roles such as parent, sibling, partner, son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, supervisor, and even church leader. We care for everyone around us, and they depend on us mentally and physically. We've mastered the art of balancing others' needs while still working our twelve-hour shifts at the hospital. However, what happens when we transition from being bedside RNs to becoming entrepreneurs? This shift can be challenging as we move from working in teams of fellow nurses to working independently. We are no longer in an environment where our schedules are created for us, nor are opportunities and information provided for maintaining a good work/life balance. As a result, we must make our plan for achieving this balance. Below is some information to help support your actions to attain this goal.

Navigating this transition while maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be daunting. However, with the right mindset and support, it's possible to succeed personally and professionally. We need to prioritize our mental and physical well-being while caring for others. By adopting effective strategies and seeking support, we can thrive as nurses and entrepreneurs.

For years, I looked for nursing jobs with structure and history, as my husband's work required us to move frequently. When he informed me of another relocation, I took a bold step and started my own nursing business. Although I didn't anticipate the challenges that came with being an entrepreneur, the experience has been exhilarating, frustrating, and rewarding all at once. Despite the obstacles, I picked myself up and kept moving forward, learning valuable lessons about maintaining a healthy work-life balance along the way. Starting a sole business can be all-consuming, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is challenging. To avoid this, it is essential to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Transitioning from being a bedside nurse to becoming a business owner can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance. Here are some tips to help you achieve it:

Balancing the work environment issue: When starting to work from home, it's important to pick a work time when traffic is low or create a dedicated workspace where your family knows you are working during the day. If you have children, involve them in making a sign for your door to give them ownership in the work process. It may take time for your family to adjust to your new work situation, so be patient but persistent.

As a sole entrepreneur, I work from home and have converted one of the rooms into my office. I stick to my work schedule as much as possible to create a physical boundary and avoid interruptions. However, I understand there may be situations where this may not always work, and it's essential to be kind to ourselves when things don't go as planned. Nevertheless, we must keep moving forward. To ensure I have uninterrupted work time, I have created a sign that reads, "Helping attorneys help clients, please knock." This helps my family understand they shouldn't interrupt me while I work unless it's an emergency. But life happens; for instance, suppose my grandchild needs attention after a bad day at school. As a Grammy, I should be able to flex 30 to 60 minutes out of my schedule to be a grandma. Yes, I’d make it up later, but that’s what being an entrepreneur is all about.

Balancing mindset for productivity: As a business owner, maintaining a healthy headspace is crucial for productivity and focus. Here are some tips to help you manage your mindset:

As a nurse, you know the importance of prioritizing self-care, but as an entrepreneur, it is equally crucial to take care of yourself. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and engaging in activities that make you happy can help you stay focused and productive when working on your business. Additionally, practicing mindfulness by being fully present and engaged at the moment can help reduce stress and improve focus, ultimately leading to increased productivity.

There are various ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, deep breathing, or walking outside for a few minutes each day. It is also essential to take regular breaks throughout the workday to stay refreshed and focused. Taking a few minutes to stretch, walk, or relax can help you recharge and return to work with renewed energy. This simple act of self-care can help you be more productive and successful in all aspects of your work and life.

It's crucial to take breaks to prevent burnout and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Whenever you feel stressed or overworked, it's a good idea to step back and engage in enjoyable activities to help you recharge and regain focus. Doing so can increase your productivity and maintain a positive mindset.

Personally, I have found Tai Chi to be a great way to practice mindfulness and exercise at the same time. It only takes 10 minutes to warm up and about 6 minutes to do one of the slow intention series of movements that provide gentle exercise and moving meditation.

Balancing workload and workflow: Starting a business can be overwhelming due to the amount of work that needs to be done. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, creating a plan and staying organized is important. Using tools such as calendars, project management software, and to-do lists can help you manage time more effectively, stay on track, and achieve goals.

One effective way to stay motivated in a legal nurse consultant practice is to break down larger goals into achievable tasks. For instance, I often use a spreadsheet to keep track of the plaintiff's attorney information, which helps locate potential clients, track initial marketing efforts, follow up on marketing, and express gratitude for work obtained through marketing. I can plan my next steps and adjust my approach by keeping track of responses and non-responses. Celebrating small victories along the way is also vital for maintaining motivation and staying on track.

Identifying the key areas of life that require attention when starting a new venture is essential. Recognizing limitations and determining which tasks cannot be handled is equally important. Seeking assistance from family members, friends, or professionals, such as a business lawyer who can guide you through the state's contract laws and help draft necessary legal documents for the business, can be helpful. Establishing a support network and seeking assistance can ensure the business's success.

Establishing a support system is important to increase the chances of success. Seeking out a mentor or business coach who can offer guidance and advice or confiding in a supportive friend or family member who can listen and provide encouragement can significantly impact the journey toward achieving goals.


Balancing your time: Did you know balancing your time is crucial for personal and professional success? You can maximize your productivity, accomplish more tasks, and reduce stress by managing your time effectively. If you want to control your time and make the most of your day, start by prioritizing your tasks, setting achievable goals, and avoiding distractions. With a little effort and discipline, you can achieve a better work-life balance and reach your goals faster.

As a nurse-turned-entrepreneur, achieving a work-life balance requires discipline and intentionality. By following these tips, you can navigate the transition and maintain equilibrium in your personal and professional life. It's important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business.