Starting your own nurse coaching business is exciting—but how do you know if you should go all-in or ease into it part-time? In this candid episode, Shelby and Laura peel back the curtain on what they’ve seen work (and what doesn’t) after coaching thousands of nurses through this exact decision. Whether you’re a brand-new grad or an experienced nurse craving freedom, this conversation will give you the clarity you’ve been searching for.

Many nurses feel stuck when deciding how to launch their private practice: jump in full-time or keep a safety net with part-time work? Shelby and Laura get real about their own journeys, what they’d do differently today, and the hidden perks of both approaches. They share updated advice for navigating your first year, building confidence without burning out, and setting up a business that actually lasts.

If you’ve ever wondered how many hours you really need to dedicate, how long it takes to replace your income, or whether part-time is “enough,” this episode will leave you feeling grounded and empowered.

• Discover why starting part-time may actually speed up your success (and reduce stress).
• Understand the financial realities of building a private practice, from taxes to startup costs.
• Learn how to set realistic timelines for your first year without falling into the ROI trap.
• Explore the surprising pitfalls of having too much time in your business.
• Hear stories of nurses who hit six figures and what their path really looked like.
• Get practical advice on balancing work, family, and business while keeping your sanity intact.

If this episode gave you clarity or encouragement, we’d love for you to:

• Subscribe to The Successful Nurse Coach Podcast so you never miss a new conversation.
• Leave us a review—it helps more nurses find this resource and take their next step.
• Join the conversation inside our free Facebook group The Successful Nurse Coaches or learn more about the Nurse Life Coach Academy at nurselifecoachacademy.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Last Call to Join us in Boone for our September Retreat: https://www.thesuccessfulnursecoaches.com/joinusinboone

In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Meleedy, a former ER and primary care nurse who left her corporate healthcare job to launch her private coaching practice. Kathleen shares what it was like to make the leap—quitting her job without a backup plan—and how she signed 10 paying clients in just 12 weeks.

We talk about what gave her the courage to go all in, the power of connection, and how she's redefining success on her own terms. If you're craving a real, grounded story about what’s possible when you follow your values, this one’s for you.

You can find Kathleen’s contact info below. And if you’re not already hanging out with us, come join The Successful Nurse Coaches Facebook group.

Get In Touch with Kathleen:

Email: kathleen@itiswellnursecoach.com

Website: www.itiswellnursecoach.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Last Call to Join us in Boone for our September Retreat: https://www.thesuccessfulnursecoaches.com/joinusinboone

In this milestone episode, Shelby and Laura celebrate 200 episodes of The Successful Nurse Coach Podcast with stories, laughter, honest reflection, and one very exciting surprise…

They share:

• Funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early days
• How podcasting helped them grow as speakers and storytellers
• Why this show has become one of the most powerful tools in their business
• The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship
• A heartfelt thank-you to YOU, our listeners 💛

Plus… we wrote a book!

The Art & Science of a Successful Nurse Coach Practice is almost here — and we want you on our launch team! Click the link below to help us get this labor of love into the hands of future nurse coaches.

👉 Join the Launch Team: Book Launch

https://start.thesuccessfulnursecoaches.com/tsncbook/

👉 Join our FB Community: The Successful Nurse Coaches