Nursing Side-Gig: Fixing Tech Headaches for Nurse Entrepreneurs

While Rosa Crumpton, RN, BSN, MBA, works full-time in nursing management for a large hospital, she has an interesting side-gig that came about after taking a course last year called “Nursing by Design.” That led to her side business.

“[It] helped me discover where my natural talents and market needs intersected. I realized that I have always loved technology and am often an early adopter, especially in the online business space,” she says. “I didn’t realize that many nurses are not tech-savvy and many entrepreneurs are busy working in their zone of genius that they don’t want to fuss with the tech. I’ve been doing this about a year.”

Crumpton took time to answer our questions about the business. What follows is the interview, edited for length and clarity.

Explain to me briefly what you do in this role. What types of businesses do you serve?

I serve as a tech consultant for nurse/health care entrepreneurs. I especially like working on strategic plans for entrepreneurs who are looking to build systems for lead generation, the best solutions for them to sell goods or services online, and doing walkthrough assessments on their current website and social media.

“I love hearing about all the different businesses that nurse entrepreneurs are creating and growing.”

I have taken many online business courses along with having my MBA to understand the needs and trends of small businesses. I’ve also invested in many different tech services over the years, so I can give real-life feedback and recommendations to my customers.

I don’t think an MBA or formal education is necessary, but it is good to have an overall understanding of nurses and online business operations.

What do you like most about doing this work?

I love hearing about all the different businesses that nurse entrepreneurs are creating and growing. Since the pandemic started, so many nurses are leaving the bedside and building businesses for themselves. It’s an exciting time to see all the creativity and diversity of nurses.

What are your biggest challenges in your side gig? What are your greatest rewards?

The biggest challenge is time management. I have to be very aware not to overcommit. I have turned down several opportunities for social media management because I know I don’t have the time to devote to doing this.

The greatest reward to me has been helping nurses who don’t like tech feel empowered. I have a knack for simplifying complex things and presenting what I think is the client’s best option, but I always put the ball in their corner.

If someone wanted to get into the type of side gig you’re doing, what steps would you tell them to take?

I think this is a great side gig if you like technology. It’s important to research what’s going on in the online business space, especially for solopreneurs/small businesses. There have been a lot of changes in the last five years or so with more people moving into the online business space and customers becoming savvier. Getting to know the best systems for your customers for email, lead generation, purchases, and courses is vital. Social media management will also continue to grow, especially for people who can help create content for their customers.

The online business space is exploding and there is a lot of opportunity for anyone who has a desire to be a part of it!