From Nurse to Nursepreneur: Sarah Boes' Journey of Resilience, Mental Health, and Innovation
The latest episode of Nursing Uncharted is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, perseverance, and self-discovery. Our host, Anne, sits down with Sarah Boes to discuss her unique path in nursing. Sarah, who calls herself a "nursepreneur," opens up about her captivating transition from bedside oncology nursing to becoming a successful business owner. But what makes Sarah’s story so compelling is her unfiltered honesty about her struggles with anxiety, her later diagnosis of OCD, and the monumental challenges she faced during nursing school.
The Birth of a Nursepreneur
Five years ago, Sarah was an oncology nurse under intense pressure while completing her nurse practitioner degree. The onset of COVID-19 disrupted this path in a variety of ways, from repeatedly canceled exams to uncertainties about her career plans. Despite these hurdles, she transformed her struggles into an opportunity. After identifying a gap in transparent resources for those suffering from test anxiety, Sarah launched Sarah Michelle NP Reviews, a business blending professional guidance and mental health advocacy. Her experience battling overwhelming anxiety helped her create a platform that resonated with aspiring nurse practitioners who shared similar struggles.
Mental Health and High-Stakes Nursing
The central theme of the episode is mental health and its ties to nursing. Sarah reflects on her early struggles with anxiety during nursing school, particularly her encounters with test failure and high-pressure environments. One of the most poignant moments in her story is the day she suffered a panic attack in the middle of a clinical rotation. Feeling misunderstood and unsupported, her instructors encouraged Sarah to take control of her mental health and live more fully.
The Challenges and Resilience of Nursing Students
Sarah’s nursing school experience exposes the unforgiving pressure nursing students often endure. From failing a Med-Surg exam by a single question to encountering discouraging instructors, her story is a raw depiction of the obstacles many nursing students face. Yet, in the face of adversity, Sarah learned to adapt. With persistence, she aced future exams, passed rigorous clinical rotation assessments, and discovered the tools she needed to succeed. Her message to listeners: resilience isn’t about eliminating challenges. It’s about showing up, pushing forward, and finding the right support systems to thrive.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Sarah’s narrative proves that anxiety and mental health diagnoses don’t have to limit your success—even in high-pressure careers like nursing. Her OCD, which some may see as a weakness, became her superpower, sharpening her attention to detail and making her a diligent oncology nurse. Her story reminds nurses and students that struggles can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities.
Why Mental Health Awareness in Nursing Matters
Mental health remains a crucial yet under-discussed aspect of the nursing profession. After all, nurses are the ones meant to provide care to others—not ask for help themselves, right? Sarah challenges this notion and stresses how nurses need to prioritize their well-being. She invites others to reflect on their mental health, seek support when needed, and shed the stigma surrounding the topic.
Tune in for More Inspiration
Sarah’s story is a testament to the transformational power of resilience and vulnerability. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse, a student struggling to find your footing, or someone looking for validation and encouragement, this episode will leave you inspired.
Take a moment for yourself and listen to the full episode to hear part one of Sarah’s candid insights on personal and professional growth.
