Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Dr. Farrah Laurent.
A former emergency room nurse turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her journey from bedside care to building a six-figure business helping new nurses land high-paying jobs and launch their own ventures. The conversation explores nursing as a lucrative and flexible career path, the importance of mindset, and the power of personal branding.
🔑 Key Points 💼 Career Journey & Motivation
- Dr. Laurent was inspired by the TV show Trauma: Life in the E.R. to become an emergency nurse.
- She worked 13 years in ER nursing, including at a Level 1 trauma center in Detroit.
- Transitioned into education and leadership before launching her coaching business.
💰 Nursing as a High-Income Career
- New nurses in cities like NYC and Northern California can earn $100K–$175K starting salaries.
- National average is around $70K, but opportunities vary by region and specialization.
- Nurse anesthetists can earn $200K–$300K+.
“New graduate nurses today… are making baseline at least $100,000, up to $175K.”
🧠 Mindset & Coaching
- Emphasizes abundance mindset over scarcity.
- Coaches nurses on resume writing, interview prep, and personal branding.
- Encourages nurses to invest in themselves through coaching and professional development.
“If I can do it, you can do it too. It all starts with an idea and the mindset.”
📈 Entrepreneurship for Nurses
- Nurses are increasingly turning to consulting, coaching, and telehealth for flexibility.
- Dr. Laurent founded the Nurses Making Money Moves conference and authored a workbook by the same name.
- Organized her first conference in just 10 weeks, attracting 70 nurses from 20 states.
“You’re using your intellectual property—what you already know—to monetize.”
🌍 Diversity & Representation
- Advocates for racial, gender, and linguistic diversity in nursing and leadership.
- Notes that patient outcomes improve when care providers reflect the communities they serve.
“We need more diversity in nursing and nursing leadership to close the gaps in healthcare inequalities.”
💡 Advice for New Nurses
- Get clear on your goals and ideal work environment.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews—don’t wing it.
- Build a strong LinkedIn presence—95% of recruiters check it.
- Negotiate: Know your worth, research salaries, and pitch your value.
“Don’t just settle. Go after what you want.”
🚩 Red Flags in Job Offers
- Disorganized interview process
- Unwelcoming management
- High turnover
- Rushed job offers without clarity on responsibilities
📣 Closing Quote
“Nurses are big problem solvers. Find the problem you want to solve and go for it.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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