Why I quit working as full time Registered Nurse to open a CrossFit Gym

Why I Quit Working as a Full-Time Registered Nurse to Open a CrossFit Gym

In 2019, I made a life-changing decision to leave my career as a full-time registered nurse and open a CrossFit gym. For many, this might seem like an unusual leap—going from the structured environment of healthcare to the fast-paced world of fitness. However, for me, it was the culmination of a journey toward aligning my passion, purpose, and personal fulfillment.

The Call to Nursing

Nursing was never just a job for me; it was a calling. I loved helping people heal, seeing their progress, and being a part of their recovery journeys. I thrived on connecting with patients and using my skills to make a tangible difference in their lives. Yet, as fulfilling as it was, I began to feel a growing sense of misalignment in my career.

A Growing Passion for Fitness

Fitness had always been a cornerstone of my life. As a nurse, I saw firsthand how lifestyle choices could drastically impact health. Whether it was a patient recovering from heart surgery or managing chronic conditions like diabetes, I recognized that preventative care through fitness and nutrition could make an incredible difference.

I discovered CrossFit a few years before leaving nursing, and it quickly became more than just a workout for me. The community, the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment after every class were unlike anything I had ever experienced. CrossFit taught me resilience, mental toughness, and the value of consistent effort—values I carried into my nursing career and my personal life.

The Tipping Point

By 2019, I found myself at a crossroads. While I was still passionate about healthcare, the daily grind of nursing in a high-pressure environment was taking its toll. I began to feel that I was putting out fires rather than helping people build healthier lives. CrossFit, on the other hand, offered a proactive approach—a chance to help people before they reached a breaking point.

The tipping point came during a particularly exhausting week at work. As I reflected on what truly brought me joy and fulfillment, I realized my vision: creating a space where I could help people become healthier, happier, and more confident through fitness. That vision couldn’t be fully realized in a hospital setting, but it could in a gym. I prayed about this decision, seeking clarity and guidance. Through prayer, I felt led by God to take this leap of faith and open the gym. It wasn’t just about pursuing a passion—it was about following a calling that aligned with my values and my desire to serve others in a meaningful way.

Building a Dream

Opening a CrossFit gym wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I dreamt about it and prayed about it on my knees for several months. It required stepping out of my comfort zone, learning the ins and outs of running a business, and taking a financial risk. But it also felt like the right thing to do—a way to bring my passion for helping others and my love for fitness together.

Since opening the gym, I’ve been able to witness transformations that are just as profound as those I saw in the hospital. Members who could barely squat when they started now hit personal bests. People who doubted their abilities walk out of the gym each day feeling stronger, not just physically but mentally. The gym has become more than a place to work out; it’s a community where people uplift and inspire each other.

Lessons Learned

The transition from nursing to running a CrossFit gym has taught me a lot about myself and what it means to help others. Here are a few key lessons:

1. Health Is Holistic: True health isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about creating habits that prevent illness and improve quality of life.
2. Community Matters: Whether in a hospital or a gym, people thrive when they feel supported and connected.
3. Passion Fuels Purpose: When you’re passionate about what you do, even the hard days feel worthwhile.

A Life of Purpose

Looking back, I’m grateful for my time as a nurse. It gave me the skills, empathy, and perspective to serve others in a meaningful way. But stepping into the world of CrossFit allowed me to expand that service in a new direction.

Today, I wake up every morning excited to make a difference—helping people not just survive but truly thrive. If you’re considering a career change or chasing a dream that seems out of reach, my advice is this: listen to your heart, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take the leap. The rewards might just exceed your wildest expectations.

Here’s to building healthier, happier lives—one workout at a time.

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