By Colton Lord, BSN, RN

Once the idea was formed in Courtney’s head that she wanted to take the leap into the entrepreneurial world, there was no looking back. After an astounding 17 year tenure at Boston Children’s Hospital, Courtney decided it was time for a change. With a mission in mind to enhance community wellness in the New England area, Courtney embarked on a journey that would take her away from her comfort zone of Pediatric Medicine and into unknown territory: entrepreneurship.

How was I.V. League Hydration born?

Courtney did not need an MBA from Harvard Business School to guide her along the way to starting her own business. A visionary who saw a possibility of growth in IV hydration and aesthetics, she used her knowledge of living in New England and brainstormed ways to launch her business.

Courtney reports that there were definitely some marketing tactics prior to this, but she reflects on a moment that surely ignited her confidence as she purchased 100+ IV bags and headed to Nantucket for the annual Memorial Day weekend sailboat race–Fagawi. As people stepped off the boat, Courtney would slap wristbands on peoples’ wrists with the number to call when they would inevitably wake up the next morning with a hangover. Understanding that desperation and curiosity would be the driving force, Courtney describes the moment of selling out of IV bags one of her first “aha moments,” realizing that this could actually work.

Taking risks and betting on yourself

Courtney and Colton discussed questions that Courtney would get from coworkers once she decided to leave the safety and security of her full time job. One common concern: “What about health insurance?” Her confident reply? “I’ll figure it out.” For me, that statement sums up exactly why Courtney is in the position that she is in today. Are there downfalls? Of course. Were there moments where she questioned everything? Absolutely. But that mentality and grit that says I will figure it out is exactly what one needs to possess in order to take a leap of faith.

One thing I learned from this enlightening conversation with Courtney is that of course there is no guaranteed success in the decisions that we make. If we are willing to try and willing to fail, there is always something to gain and learn from the experiences we have. Instead of being crippled by fear or viewing things as failure, we can control how we interpret any situation.

For nurses specifically, we have a sense of safety and security in the workforce. We actually possess a safety net and back up plan that will always be there once we obtain our nursing license that allows us to explore other avenues and dreams, knowing that the bedside and typical nursing jobs will be there if we ever need them.

Eight years after opening the first location on A Street in South Boston, I.V. League was just awarded Best of Boston 2025—a testament to Courtney’s grit, determination and community-focused mission. Now with three locations (two in South Boston and one in Salem, New Hampshire), I.V. League is flourishing and a trusted wellness space for so many New England locals and people traveling to Boston from all over the world.

A Reminder to ALL Nurses

You are powerful beyond your wildest imagination. As true professionals, nurses are equipped with knowledge and resources that transcend bedside nursing. There is nothing wrong with, nor is there any shame in, working bedside. For some people, the passion lies at the bedside and the world needs you, too. But for the person reading this who desires more. For the person reading this who has a dream in their heart. For the nurse who reads this and feels like the light inside their soul is diminished. Let Courtney’s story be a reminder to you that you too can change the trajectory of your life.