About The Nurse Shark Academy

Welcome to the Leadership Conversations segment of The Nurse Shark Academy Show, where Tina Baxter, your host, shares leadership topics of the day.

My mission is for you to own your seat at the table of nurse entrepreneurship, gaining confidence, skills, and freedom to live your life on your own terms. You will dream big and expand your consciousness as an entrepreneur. The Nurse Shark Academy Show is looking for nurse entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders to guest on the show. If you have always been curious about how to be an effective podcast guest, sign up for our webinar at www.thenursesharkacademy.biz.

About your host

Tina M. Baxter is an advanced practice registered nurse and a board certified gerontological nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), who resides in Anderson, Indiana. Mrs. Baxter has been a registered nurse for over twenty years and a nurse practitioner for 17 years in the areas of mental health, gerontology, and health education. She is the owner of Baxter Professional Services, LLC, a consulting firm which provides legal nurse consulting services for attorneys and insurance professionals; wellness and chronic disease management coaching; and customized educational and operational resources to healthcare organizations. Mrs. Baxter teaches stress management strategies to clients of all ages and offers virtual as well as online classes. She is listed as an Alignable Local Businessperson of the Year in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. She is the founder of The Nurse Shark Academy® where she coaches nurses to launch and scale their businesses. She is the host of The Nurse Shark Academy Show© which interviews and spotlights nurse business owners and leaders in healthcare. She is a public speaker and has spoken on numerous topics on a national level. She is a contributor to articles on electronic and print media such as Entrepreneur.com, The Minority Nurse, LinkedIn, as well as a guest on numerous podcasts.

To reach your host, https://hihello.me/p/30801bee-4180-448d-a6b2-0bf6754ece87.

Podcast Title: Leading Through the Chaos in Business

Episode: Surviving and Thriving in Economic Downturns, Market Shifts, and Turnover

Host: Tina Baxter

Powered by: The Nurse Shark Academy

Welcome back to The Nurse Shark Academy Show Podcast — the place where nurses learn how to build, grow, and lead thriving businesses without losing heart or purpose along the way.

Today’s topic is one that every entrepreneur — especially nurse entrepreneurs — will face at some point: leading through chaos.

Whether it’s an economic downturn, a rapidly changing marketplace, or frustrating employee turnover, chaos can make even the most passionate nurse-business owner wonder, “What did I get myself into?”

But here’s the thing: chaos isn’t the enemy. Chaos is the classroom. It’s where your leadership is tested, refined, and ultimately proven.

So in the next few minutes, we’re going to unpack how to lead with clarity and calm when everything around you feels uncertain.

Let’s start by naming what chaos looks like in a business.

For some of you, it’s the economy tightening — clients spending less, contracts getting delayed, or reimbursement rates dropping.

For others, it’s the marketplace shifting — new technologies, regulations, or competitors that seem to change the rules overnight.

And then there’s employee turnover — that revolving door that can drain your time, money, and morale.

Here’s a mindset shift: chaos doesn’t mean failure. Chaos means movement. It means the world around you is changing — and your job as a leader isn’t to resist change but to navigate it.

Think of it like this: when you’re in a code blue, the room is chaotic. Alarms are sounding, people are shouting, and everything happens fast. But a good nurse doesn’t panic. She focuses, prioritizes, and leads.

Business leadership in chaotic times works the same way. Your calm becomes everyone else’s anchor.

Let’s talk about money, the part that makes most business owners squirm.

Economic downturns happen. Markets dip. Clients pull back. But the businesses that survive — and even grow — are the ones that stay strategic instead of scared.

Here are a few practical things you can do:

1. Know your numbers.

Look at your expenses, revenue streams, and margins. Cut what doesn’t serve your mission, but don’t just slash blindly. Protect what generates value — your people, your marketing, your client relationships.

2. Diversify your income.

If you’re a nurse consultant, add an online course. If you own a clinic, offer telehealth or group programs. Multiple revenue streams mean multiple safety nets.

3. Build cash reserves.

Aim for at least 3–6 months of operating expenses saved. It’s not glamorous, but it’s freedom. When everyone else is panicking, you’ll have options.

4. Focus on relationships, not just transactions.

When budgets tighten, people choose to work with those they trust. Keep communicating. Send the newsletter. Make the call. Show up.

Economic storms pass — but your reputation for stability and integrity will outlast any downturn.

Now, let’s talk about change. The healthcare industry changes faster than an IV pump beeping at 3 a.m.

AI tools, policy updates, new competitors, shifting patient needs — it’s a whirlwind. But here’s the secret: leaders who adapt don’t just survive, they set the pace.

Three keys to staying ahead:

First — Stay curious.

The most dangerous phrase in business is, “That’s how we’ve always done it.”

Ask, “What’s next?” not “What now?”

Attend conferences, join online groups, and never stop learning.

Second — Innovate small.

Innovation doesn’t mean blowing up your business model. It can be as simple as improving client onboarding, using automation, or adding a subscription service. Small, smart changes compound fast.

Third — Communicate change clearly.

Your team and your clients want to trust you know where the ship is headed. When you pivot, explain why you’re doing it and how it benefits them. Transparency turns anxiety into alignment.

When you lead with clarity, chaos becomes opportunity.

Let’s face it — people don’t just leave jobs; they leave environments.

In nursing, we know burnout all too well. In business, it’s the same principle. If your employees are leaving faster than you can onboard them, something in the culture needs healing.

Here’s where to start:

- Listen more than you lecture. Hold regular check-ins — not just about performance, but about wellbeing. Ask, “How are you doing?” and mean it.

- Recognize contributions. People want to feel seen. A handwritten note, a public thank-you, or flexible scheduling can go further than a bonus.

- Create growth paths. Even small businesses can offer mentorship or training. Give people a reason to envision a future with you.

- Hire slowly, fire kindly. It’s better to leave a role unfilled than to fill it with the wrong energy.

A stable team is the backbone of sustainable growth. But stability doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through empathy and intentional leadership.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive — even when the world outside feels unpredictable.

As nurse leaders, we’ve been trained for high-stakes, high-stress environments. We’ve triaged chaos before — and we can do it again in business.

When everything feels uncertain, focus on what you can control: your mindset, your strategy, and your integrity.

If this conversation resonated with you — if you’re ready to strengthen your leadership, grow your business, and stop feeling like you’re surviving chaos instead of leading through it — I want to personally invite you to join The Nurse Shark Academy.

At The Nurse Shark Academy, we equip nurse entrepreneurs and leaders with the tools, strategies, and mentorship they need to build profitable, purpose-driven businesses.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your operations, you’ll find training, community, and coaching that helps you swim confidently through any storm.

Visit www.thenursesharkacademy.biz to learn more, enroll in our programs, or connect with a mentor who understands exactly what you’re navigating.

We give you the tools, mentorship, and community you need to grow a sustainable, profitable nurse-led business—without burnout or overwhelm.
Visit www.thenursesharkacademy.biz and apply today. Spots are limited and we’re enrolling right now.
Thanks for tuning in to The Nurse Shark Academy Show. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a fellow nurse entrepreneur, and keep leading boldly.
You’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy. See you next time!

As always, thank you for listening to The Nurse Shark Academy Show, where we are experts in nursing and experts in business. Subscribe to our channel and download our podcast wherever you get your podcast such as Podbean, Apple, Samsung, Spotify, iHeart Radio, YouTube, and more. If you are nurse entrepreneur or business leader who would be interested in coming on the show, contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.thenursesharkacademy.biz/.

Pick up a copy of our e-book, Guide for Nurse Entrepreneurs at https://www.thenursesharkacademy.biz/category/all-products.

Join us for our upcoming events and training programs. Our videos, blogs, and course offerings can be found on our website. Become a member of The Nurse Shark Academy to launch your nurse owned business today at https://www.thenursesharkacademy.biz/

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