Nurse Entrepreneur Spotlight: Maggie Ortiz
Maggie Ortiz (MSN, RN), is the founder of Advocates For Nurses, a one-stop resource for nurses seeking guidance, education, and empowerment. With a mission to support and uplift the nursing community, Maggie has created a platform where nurses can gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the complexities of their profession and protect their practice.
Maggie Ortiz brings a wealth of experience to Advocates For Nurses. From her work in Level I ICUs, ERs, Cath Labs, and procedural areas to serving as a Board of Nursing investigator, Maggie has witnessed the unique challenges nurses face. Her mission is to ensure nurses receive the resources and support they need to navigate legal, regulatory, and professional hurdles with confidence.
Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry?
My journey started as a nurse with a commitment to advocacy and education. I saw firsthand how nurses, along with legal and healthcare professionals, often faced challenges navigating regulatory complexities and administrative laws. This led me to create a business that serves not only nurses but also healthcare companies, legal professionals, and industry leaders — providing consulting on issues ranging from board of nursing (BON) concerns to policymaking and risk management. My aim is to bridge gaps across healthcare and legal professions, offering insights and strategies that improve professional practices and patient care.
What inspired you to start your own venture in this field?
The inspiration came from observing the lack of accessible resources for professionals in healthcare and law facing regulatory hurdles. Nurses, healthcare professionals, and even companies often find themselves underprepared to handle the administrative, legal, and policy aspects of their fields. I wanted to build a service that educates, advocates, and offers practical solutions to empower these professionals and help them navigate complex situations with confidence.
What specific problem or challenge in healthcare are you addressing with your business?
My business addresses the often overwhelming challenges of administrative law, compliance, and regulatory issues that professionals in healthcare and law face. Nurses and legal professionals must adhere to myriad regulations, policies, and procedures that vary by state, practice area, and role. I focus on helping clients understand and navigate these requirements, equipping them to respond effectively to BON inquiries, policy challenges, and other regulatory hurdles.
How does your company’s service innovate or improve upon existing solutions in the healthcare sector?
My services offer a unique, comprehensive approach to consulting that goes beyond standard legal advice. By combining advocacy, detailed education, and tailored support, I help clients address issues proactively. I also work closely with healthcare companies to improve their administrative and policy frameworks, helping them stay compliant and informed in an evolving regulatory landscape. My approach is deeply personalized, aimed at empowering clients with knowledge and confidence to face their challenges.
What have been the biggest obstacles you've faced in launching and growing your healthcare business, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been educating clients on the value of this specialized support in areas they might not have initially considered, like policy advising or BON consultations. I’ve overcome this by focusing on clear, effective communication and building a strong reputation in the industry, showing clients the measurable impact of comprehensive consulting in protecting their careers and improving their organizations.
Can you share any success stories or milestones that your company has achieved in improving healthcare outcomes or patient experiences?
I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous clients, from individual nurses reinstating their licenses to healthcare companies refining their compliance processes. One milestone has been collaborating on policy changes with healthcare companies, which has led to improved compliance and ultimately better patient outcomes. Each success story is a testament to the positive impact of informed, dedicated consulting.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the healthcare industry with their own startups?
My advice is to identify a genuine gap or need and build a business that provides a real solution. The healthcare field is complex, and understanding the regulatory, compliance, and administrative landscape is critical. Also, emphasize education and communication — these are key to building trust and showing clients the value you bring.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and challenges in the healthcare sector — and how does this inform your business strategy?
I stay engaged with professional networks, attend industry conferences, and keep up-to-date on regulatory changes. This constant learning helps me anticipate shifts and prepare clients for changes that might impact their work or business. This proactive approach is essential to ensuring my services remain relevant and effective.
What are your long-term goals and visions for your healthcare business, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term vision is to expand my consulting impact by reaching more clients across healthcare and legal sectors, potentially partnering with larger organizations to influence policy and compliance frameworks. I plan to achieve this by building a robust online platform, offering more resources and courses, and continuing to establish my business as a trusted source for expert guidance in healthcare law, policy, and BON-related matters.