Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Hamilton.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nursing is actually my 2nd career. My 1st career was real estate. I am a licensed real estate broker, so being self-employed is something I am familiar with. I really loved helping people with their most prized possessions, so transitioning to nursing really felt good. I originally started working as a nurse in the emergency room at a local busy essential hospital after graduating from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. I knew prior to graduating that I wanted to become a nurse practitioner and wanted to open my own practice, so everything I did was to prepare myself for this future goal that I set for myself. Working in an emergency room gave me the well-rounded experience as a nurse to enter graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. After graduating with my MSN-FNP, I took my 1st job working in primary care at different area long-term care facilities. The next position, I took, I was there for 5 years, seeing patients of all ages and backgrounds. These positions are where I learned so much about so many different disease processes and gained more confidence as a provider and as a leader. From the very beginning I told myself I have 5 years to learn as much as possible, then I would open my own practice. With the help of family and friends, I opened Eastside Health & Wellness in August of 2023, which was a year ahead of the schedule I gave myself. We opened only on weekends initially, while I still worked full-time during the week. January 2025, I had transitioned out of my w2 role and full-time at Eastside Health & Wellness, which was very scary and exciting at the same time. Now Eastside Health & Wellness is growing, we have 2 full-time medical assistants, a virtual medical assistant and a team of others that keep things going. I am looking for a 3rd medical assistant and another provider by the new year. I am very thankful. Family, friends, and patients have truly been so supportive, I couldn’t have asked for better. I absolutely love my patients and am thankful that they chose me to be apart of their health journeys. I could not have done this without my family and friends. Special thanks to my husband, Shaun, who knew I would accomplish my goals before I did and to my best friend Essence who selflessly works with me as a medical assistant/office manager/anything I need. Patients have met my children who provided much appreciated help. My mom was my 1st patient. Our 1st weekend open, my mom was the only patient. She got her flu shot and still does yearly. My siblings have also always gave encouraging words when I needed it most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Transitioning from w2 to Eastside Health & Wellness full-time was very difficult mentally. Going from having guaranteed income to self-employment was a struggle mentally, but the universe said this is what you are supposed to be doing. The most difficult thing has been juggling all of my new responsibilities. Not just taking care of patients, but being in charge of marketing, employees and payroll, and all of the unseen behind the scenes administrative responsibilities have been difficult to balance. Initially I even took on the role of billing, however I very quickly outsourced that as there is a lot of work that goes into that. I am thankful for these challenges as it has made me more confident and realize what I am capable of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a person that always sets goals for myself and just continually tries to improve myself. I actually write new goals for myself every year and throughout the year I review and revise those goals and try to make sure that I am on track to achieving them. I think what sets me apart is that I really try to listen to patients and give everyone who walks through the door the best experience possible.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up in the country so I would have to say riding 4-wheelers and swimming at the river.
Contact Info:
- Website: eastsidehealthandwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastsidehealthandwellness?igsh=MXhzNXFpaHhkM2I5MA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SbBTH7BCJ/
