From ER to Entrepreneur
Every month, we celebrate and feature a woman who went for it, bringing their vision and passion to life. While their businesses and projects vary — they all have battled through self-doubt, jumped before fully ready and embarked on entrepreneurship while simultaneously carrying a heavy load specially reserved for modern mothers.
For our Health Issue, we chatted with Kristen Dooher, RN, BSN and founder of Westwood IV Therapy. After working in the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristen was inspired to create something that would offer herself more flexibility to be with her family and offer patients a more proactive approach to nursing and wellness.
With a team of nurses who have a combined 50+ years experience, Westwood IV specializes in IV Therapy Treatments, tailored to address a diverse array of health needs. From bolstering the immune system and enhancing cognitive functions to alleviating hangover and jet lag symptoms, therapies cater to multifaceted health benefits.
Here, Kristen shares how she made the leap to start her own business, her perspective on health and advice she has for women thinking of going for their own dream.
You left a stable job as an ER nurse to start your own business. What led you to take the leap?
Ha! A little bit of crazy, a lot of luck, hard work, and the best team ever! The leap was a slow one—Westwood IV opened in February 2022 while I was still working part-time at the hospital. Everything shifted when my grandmother got sick in November 2023. It was my greatest honor to care for her, and at that point, with a growing business and two kids at home, I simply didn’t have the time to do it all. I went per diem at the hospital, and by the summer of 2024, I officially left after realizing the business was stable enough to meet our everyday needs!
What have been some of the highlights of launching Westwood IV? What have been the biggest challenges?
So many highlights! The people I’ve met—whether by infusing them or their families—are something I will never take for granted. I’ve been in places and homes I would never have dreamed of. A personal highlight is my schedule! Though I work most days of the week, it’s almost completely built around my family's schedules—something that was unfathomable when I worked in the ER.
Of course, the challenges have been there, too. I’m a nurse through and through, so learning to run a business has come with its fair share of difficulties and mistakes. I’m incredibly fortunate to have two amazing co-owners and a fantastic team—who, let’s be honest, probably want to strangle me sometimes!—but they have been the backbone of keeping Westwood IV running and thriving.
What do you think moms should prioritize in terms of their health? What does Westwood IV offer that can help?
Taking care of themselves! It’s always easier said than done, but moms juggle so much—whether they are home with their kids, working full-time, or somewhere in between—it’s a lot! Prioritizing their own health helps them show up better in every area of life.
We have a bunch of infusions whether it’s for general wellness, energy, beauty, or an illness recovery we can help replenish what the body needs. A fan favorite is a quick B12 shot for an instant energy boost! We also offer weight loss support plans and NAD treatments, which can enhance mental clarity and improve overall energy levels. Our goal is to support moms in feeling their best so they can keep doing everything they do—without the guilt of taking a moment for themselves.
What did being an ER nurse teach you about perspective and appreciation for our good health?
Working in the ER gave me a front-row seat to how quickly things can change. I’ve seen people’s lives turn upside down in an instant. It reinforced how important prevention is—getting routine checkups, monitoring blood pressure, staying on top of mammograms, and doing all those necessary screenings as we age. Taking care of yourself goes a long way. Also, trying not to sweat the small stuff. Life is for sure a journey with highs and lows, but in the end, it’s about embracing the moments and focusing on what truly matters.
Anything new we can expect from Westwood IV for 2025?
Yes! We are working toward getting credentialed with several health insurance providers to offer more Western-based prescription infusions for conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. We hope this will allow clients who currently have to travel to infusion centers to receive their treatments in the comfort of their home or office with us this year. We’re excited to expand our offerings and make these services more accessible and convenient for our clients!
What would you tell a woman who was thinking of taking a leap and going for a dream?
DO IT!!!! Hands down, just go for it! I always say I am just a regular person who is 'smart enough.' When I started, I had no idea what I was doing. My years of experience taught me how to put in IVs and care for people, but running a business was a whole new world. Luckily, Kelly, my co-owner, jumped right in, getting the web and marketing side up and running, and from there, we’ve both learned as we go. I've taken countless classes, work with a business coach, and keep pushing forward, rolling with whatever comes next.
This business has been life-changing for me in so many ways. It fills my heart in a way I didn’t even know I needed, and it gives me the gift of time with my boys. It definitely won’t be easy, but there are so many people out there willing to help and cheer you on!
Learn more about Kristen and Westwood IV here.