What Nurses Should Know Before Starting a Holistic Practice: 5 Myths Debunked

Why This Matters Now

If you've ever felt the pull to create your own holistic nursing practice but found yourself paralyzed by doubt, you're not alone. I’ve spent years mentoring and educating holistic RNs and NPs—and I can tell you this: the biggest thing holding most nurses back from building a practice that aligns with their values and what called them to this profession in the first place is NOT a lack of skill. It’s misinformation.

There are persistent myths about what it takes to start a private nursing practice, and they’re keeping smart, heart-led nurses stuck in systems that don’t reflect their values nor their vision for their work. It’s time we debunk them.

Myth #1: You have to be a nurse practitioner to open a private practice

Truth: Nurses at every level are building successful practices.

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that only nurse practitioners can open their own practice. Not true. While NPs can diagnose and prescribe, RNs are also launching thriving practices rooted in education, lifestyle support, nurse coaching, and holistic modalities like Reiki, sound therapy, bodywork, or integrative consultations.

Many of the nurses in my entrepreneur program are RNs offering group wellness programs, telehealth education, or in-person services focused on healing and prevention. The key is staying within your scope—and there is plenty of room within nursing scope to build a meaningful and ethical business.

Myth #2: Starting a practice costs too much money

Truth: You can start small and grow sustainably.

You do not need to lease a clinic space, hire a team, or spend tens of thousands of dollars to get started. I work with nurses who began with a simple Zoom account, a basic website, and a few one-on-one clients. From there, they built gradually.

Several of the nurses I have mentored started out seeing clients virtually or offering workshops in local wellness spaces. Others began by launching small group programs or educational webinars using platforms that cost a minimal monthly fee. You don’t need it all figured out on day one. You just need a plan—and the belief that starting small is still starting.

Myth #3: I need a business degree to succeed

Truth: You already have the foundation—and the rest is learnable.

As nurses, we are trained problem solvers, educators, critical thinkers, and systems navigators. These are core entrepreneurial skills, but we learn little or no business insights in nursing school. Time and time again, I hear nurses stating that they wished someone had pointed out owning your own practice or practicing more holistically was an option during their foundational nursing education.

I decided to obtain my MBA because I feel very strongly about empowering nurses to reform healthcare with a grassroots effort- and that means offering something different. That being said- in my experience working with entrepreneurial nurses, the most successful ones didn’t spend several years obtaining an MBA. They came in with passion and purpose. Through education and effort, they gained confidence in business planning, marketing, legal compliance, and financial management, and they make their dreams a reality!

And here’s the secret: You don’t have to master every business skill overnight. That’s why I focus on offering nursing professionals the tools, insights, expert guest interviews, and real nurse entrepreneur spotlights—so you can learn what actually works for nurses like you.

Myth #4: I can’t start a practice while working my regular nursing job

Truth: Many nurses build their businesses gradually while maintaining their day jobs.

This is one of the most relatable concerns, especially for nurses who rely on their current role for income or benefits. What I see most often is that most nurses begin their practice as a side hustle. They carve out small pockets of time—a few evenings a week, one weekend day a month—to begin building. The exception to this is when a nurse (usually a nurse practitioner) has signed a specific non-compete clause with their employer that prohibits them from any side hustle (although it is typically limited to "competing services").

I’ve encountered many nurse entrepreneurs who built full client panels over time this way, growing their practice alongside their job until they felt financially secure enough to shift. Others choose to keep both for the long term. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. That’s the beauty of designing a practice that fits your life.

Myth #5: It’s not legal (or safe) to run a private nursing practice

Truth: You absolutely can practice independently—when you understand your scope.

Let me say this clearly: practicing as a nurse entrepreneur is legal when you structure your services appropriately, and I HIGHLY recommend every nurse entrepreneur consult with a healthcare/business attorney in their area to be certain they are protecting their license while also working to serve in the best interest and safety of their clients.

One of the most empowering parts of our community is watching nurses gain confidence around scope, liability, and licensing. We walk through what services you can offer based on your license, how to clearly communicate your role, and how to document appropriately. Some nurses have chosen to create entirely education-based models, avoiding the liability of diagnosis or treatment but still making a profound impact. There is so much flexibility and creativity that you can bring to your own practice, and I think its important to highlight that you can decide what you WHAT to offer and WHO you want to serve.

You don’t need to fear your board of nursing when you’re clear on your scope. In fact, when you operate within it, your license becomes your greatest asset. I have heard from legal healthcare experts that exploring and understanding your scope is actually an empowering and uplifting experience for most of their nurse entrepreneur clients.

You Are More Ready Than You Think

Here’s the truth I want every nurse to hear:

You don’t need to be more qualified. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a next step.

If you’re a nurse who’s passionate about whole-person healing, frustrated with the limitations of traditional systems, and dreaming of something more aligned with your values—this is your moment.

This is the same conversation I’ve had with hundreds of nurses who are now successfully running their own holistic practices. You are not alone in this journey.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, I invite you to check out the Holistic Nursing Entrepreneur Program™. It’s built by nurses, for nurses—and it’s helped many others take that first brave step toward the practice (and life) they truly want.

You don’t have to wait until you feel "ready." You just have to believe that you deserve a career that aligns with your purpose.

Let’s build it together.