Serving Beyond: Tammy Lewis Embodies “Act Like A Nurse, Think Like A Boss”

Raleigh, NC – Tammy Lewis is truly a woman on the move serving beyond as a healthcare professional. Being a Registered Nurse for more than 28 years, Tammy has successfully operated a home care agency, Ideal Healthcare Services, for over 9 years. Currently, she lends her home care expertise and business knowledge as a consultant through her firm Ideal Healthcare Source, in which she assists with helping individuals start and maintain home care agencies. Tammy also enjoys working with the elderly and providing support to locate services suitable for their needs.

Tammy is an award-winning healthcare professional and has been recognized for her expertise and entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2013 and 2014, she was recognized in Forbes Magazine for the growth of her company and her expertise in the home care industry. She was also recognized in Business Leader Magazine as one of the Top 50 Entrepreneurs of the Triangle and Top 300 Small Businesses of the South. She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Healthcare Career Development Award due to her continuous work and assistance in creating jobs. In addition to these accolades, Tammy is also a best-selling author. She is well-known for her book entitled, “Starting and Maintaining a Successful Home Care Business.”

Most recently Tammy has expanded her brand, “Act Like A Nurse, Think Like A Boss”, which is a nurse entrepreneur summit. This summit brings together nurses from all over the world to provide guidance and educate how to start and grow their businesses. The first annual summit was held in February 2020 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Tammy resides in Raleigh, NC where she is happily married to her husband Anthony Lewis and is also the loving mother of three children.

I had the pleasure of connecting with Tammy through this year’s Nurse Boss Summit. To witness the effect her vision had on so many nurses was impeccable and unforgettable. Tammy is an inspirationalist at heart and desires to continue to encourage nurses and push forward the healthcare industry.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I would l have to say that I am a Christian first, then a wife, mother, nurse, and author. I have been in the healthcare industry for more than 28 years. I met my husband more than 32 years ago, and we have four children. I’m also a grandmother now, which I absolutely love. I was born and raised in Tennessee. I grew up in Nashville, and in 2003 we relocated to Raleigh, NC. That was one of the best decisions that I could have ever made for both my personal and professional life.

What attracted you to the healthcare profession, particularly nursing?

What first attracted me to nursing was when I was 5 years old and my great grandmother became ill and had a heart attack. Shortly thereafter, my paternal grandmother died from colon cancer. I saw how caring the hospice nurses were, and how great the doctors took care of them. I wanted to be just like those individuals. That is when I made up my mind to become a nurse. I took a long way around by first becoming a companion caregiver and then a Medical Assistant but found my way back to nursing.

Do you feel you are making the impact you desire with patients in your daytime / “9-5” position? 

I really do feel as if I’m making an impact. Right now, I work with elderly clientele. I assist them with filing claims for their long-term care insurance, as well as assisting them with finding suitable care or resources for them or their loved ones. It’s very satisfying at the end of the day to know that you have made a difference in someone’s life. Most of these individuals have insurance policies they don’t know how to read or understand the coverage they have. I love being able to go through the policies with them to ensure that they get the best possible care.

What, or who has served as your inspiration as a nurse?

There are really too many to name, but the one that sticks out the most is a young lady that I knew a long ago named Brittany. She was a nurse when I was still a companion caregiver. She constantly encouraged me to go back to school for nursing. I listened to her talk about how fulfilling the nursing profession was to her. I eventually went back to school and obtained my diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She then pushed me to keep going. I owe my entire nursing career to her.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as a healthcare professional?

At present, I am still growing as a nurse entrepreneur. I’ve done many things as a nurse, but right now my focus is on assisting other nurses who wish to start their own businesses. So, I guess in 5 years my goal would be to assist as many nurses as I can with either starting or growing their businesses. The Nurse Boss Summit is my new venture, and I hope to take it on the road as a tour in the next 5 years.

Let’s talk about your role as owner of a Home Care Agency and founder of The Nurse Boss Summit. How did these businesses come about? Why do you feel it’s important to operate as a nurse in this capacity?

What drew me to wanting to start my home care agency was that of the abuse I witnessed in the nursing homes. I saw daily abuse that I reported, and nothing was being done about it. Instead of the facilities taking action, I watched them cover it up. I couldn’t stand by and continue to watch that. I started my home care agency in 2005. I actually began in my own home. I turned the sunroom into an office, and I interviewed candidates at my dining room table. It was extremely difficult at first, but I grew the business for ten years and then sold it. Many people have asked me why I decided to sell it. The easy answer is, “it was time.” Others were coming to me to ask for my assistance in starting home care agencies. I realized that I could both help more entrepreneurs and seniors at the same time by assisting in creating more resources; and that was kind of how the “Nurse Boss Summit” came about.  Nurses were asking me about businesses of which I had no knowledge. I found myself referring these nurses to other business owners or doing research to find individuals in certain areas. The Nurse Boss Summit was designed to connect fellow nurse entrepreneurs, as well as to assist nurses in starting and/or growing their businesses. I hope to continue this vision, as I truly believe that “Act Like A Nurse, Think Like A Boss” was given to me by God.

When did you know it was time to serve beyond nursing in the traditional healthcare setting and step into the business arena and become an entrepreneur?

Although I always felt as if I would someday become a business owner, as I previously mentioned, it was the abuse that I witnessed that pushed me into business ownership. I knew from watching my superiors the kind of leader and business owner I wanted to be. I learned what not to do. Also, my father was and still is a brilliant businessman, and though I did not grow up around him, I feel as if I’ve always had his drive. So, I guess it was in my DNA.

What tips do you have for nurses, or others in the healthcare field, who desire to branch out into another aspect of serving as a healthcare professional, whether in the community or through business ownership?

If you have a passion for something and desire to be in business for yourself, just go for it. Use the expertise that you already have to develop a successful business. Most importantly, do your research. You never want to enter into a business without first doing your research. Reach out to other nurses or business owners that are doing want it is that you desire to do and allow them to mentor you. Being a business owner is hard work, so you have to be willing to put in the work. It’s no easy task. I failed in business more times than a little, but the important thing is to keep trying and never give up. You will learn from your failures, and they will make you a better business owner.

What advice or tips would you give to healthcare workers during this COVID healthcare crisis? What is your suggestion for burnout prevention? 

The most important thing to do during these uncertain times is to stay the course, stay safe, and stay in prayer. Many frontline workers are experiencing burnout during this pandemic. It’s important to always remember self-care. I think nurses are always so busy caring for others that they forget to put themselves first. We tend to always put ourselves last. Also, don’t be afraid to say no. It’s okay to not overextend yourself. There is no reason to cause unnecessary stress in your life. So, just remember to take time for yourself first, even if it’s just an hour a day to unwind.

How can our readers connect with you? (website, social media, email, phone, etc.)

I can be found on all social media platforms at @iamtammylewis and also @nursebossummit.  My websites are also www.iamtammylewis.com and www.nursebosssummit.com