From Bedside to The Money Nurse
What 40 Years of Nursing Taught Me About Money
By Althea McLeish - DrMcđź’ś The Money Nurse
When I was asked to share during our reunion, I didn't want to give a lecture on finances. Instead, I wanted to share my journey—what got me here, what I've accomplished, what I've learned, where I'm going, and how I'm helping others today.
What Got Me Here
Like many of you, I spent decades building a career in nursing. We learned how to assess patients, solve problems, advocate for others, and manage crises. We earned degrees, certifications, and credentials. We cared for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Yet despite all of our education, very few of us were taught how money works.
In 2016, I experienced a financial setback that forced me to confront what I didn't know. It was a humbling experience. I realized that while I had spent years caring for my patients' health, I had not given the same level of attention to my financial health.
That experience became a turning point. Instead of staying stuck, I made a decision to learn everything I could about personal finance, investing, retirement planning, and wealth building.
What started as a personal journey became a passion and eventually a second career.
What I've Accomplished
The last several years have been a season of growth and reinvention.
I rebuilt my credit from 490 to over 800.
I completed my doctorate in nursing (DNP) and graduated October, 2023.
I became a financial coach and educator.
I completed seven financial industry examinations, including my Series 65 Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) and the MLO - mortgage loan officer.
After more than four decades in nursing, I worked my final bedside shift in November 2025 and transitioned into my own financial education and advisory practice as The Money Nurse.
These accomplishments are meaningful, but they are not what I'm most proud of.
What matters most is the impact I have been able to make in the lives of others.
What I've Learned
The biggest lesson I've learned is this:
Being educated is not the same as being financially educated.
Many hardworking professionals spend their entire lives serving others but never receive the financial education needed to confidently answer important questions such as:
Will I have enough?
Will it last?
When can I retire?
What happens if something happens to me?
Am I doing the right things with my money?
I've also learned that money itself is not the goal.
Money is simply a tool that gives us options, flexibility, and the ability to create opportunities for ourselves and our families.
Most people don't need more information. They need more clarity.
Where I'm Going
After 40 years of nursing, I still see myself as a nurse.
I simply care for people differently now.
My mission is to help individuals and families improve their financial health, reduce financial stress, and create a path toward financial independence.
I want to help people make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident about their future.
The same desire to serve that led me into nursing continues to drive me today.
What I Do Today
Through The Money Nurse, I provide complimentary financial education, guidance, and support.
I help people identify their Financial Independence Number (FIN)—the amount of money needed to work because they want to, not because they have to.
I help individuals and families complete a Financial Needs Analysis to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities within their financial lives.
Most importantly, I help people gain clarity.
Clarity about retirement.
Clarity about debt.
Clarity about investing.
Clarity about protecting their families.
Clarity about where they stand today and where they want to go tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
As I sat with my classmates during our 40th reunion, I was reminded how blessed we have been.
Nursing opened doors I never imagined.
It gave me a career, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to serve people across multiple decades and multiple countries.
Today, financial education has given me a second chapter.
Nursing gave me a career.
Financial education gave me a second one.
Both have allowed me to serve others.
And for that, I am deeply grateful.
_______________________________________________
Hi, I'm Althea — Dr. Mc 💜 The Money Nurse.
After 40 years as an RN, I discovered that many hardworking professionals were suffering from a condition I call Money Pain: living paycheck to paycheck, carrying debt, lacking a plan, and feeling uncertain about the future.
Today, I help professionals diagnose the health of their finances, identify money leaks and gaps, and create a treatment plan for financial freedom.
My goal is simple: help you gather assets, build passive income, and create a life where money supports your dreams instead of creating stress.
Still a nurse. Still impacting lives. Just Differently.
If I could help you check the health of your finances and uncover areas that need care, would that be helpful?
Let’s connect. ❌ No Cost ❌ No Obligation
đź“… Schedule your FREE financial chat today
👉🏽Visit: http://altheamcleish.com/linktree
I can’t wait to connect with you and help you start your journey to lasting financial independence!
DrMcđź’ś, TheMoneyNurse
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