After earning advanced degrees, some registered nurses (RNs) become nurse practitioners (NPs) who make impactful changes in healthcare and business. Many NPs with an entrepreneurial spark feel driven to open their own practice. From there, some NPs launch public initiatives and enterprises that help the community. Others start businesses that support the profession.
From the earliest days of their nursing training, RNs learn how to be entrepreneurs. The advanced education and instruction involved in earning a nurse practitioner degree provide opportunities for even more innovation.
As an author, keynote speaker and expert on nurse burnout, Elizabeth Scala, MSN, MBA, RN, said all nurses need to find their niche for personal and
professional satisfaction.
“While most of us did not attend nursing school to become businessmen/women, many of us find ourselves in these roles as the rules and regulations change. More specifically, with nurse practitioners (NPs) being granted more authority, many look towards entrepreneurship when they begin to open their own practices,” Scala said in “Nurse Practitioners Turned Entrepreneurs: Practical Strategies to Starting Your Business.”
“Today NPs find themselves looking for office space, coming up with business names and hiring accountants or lawyers to help them sort through the policies and procedures of owning a practice.”
Working as an NP today involves more than just nursing skills. RNs who earn a nurse practitioner degree, including through an
online master’s in nursing program, learn some business skills as well that broaden their career choices.
Nurse Practitioners Business Strategies
In the article on Health eCareers website, Scala said NPs have to make a lot of decisions when opening a business, from naming the company to hiring a lawyer. She pointed out five considerations for
nurses starting businesses:
Find a niche
NPs should determine their ideal clientele and target market before launching into any business venture.
Get social
NP entrepreneurs should find a social media platform that works best for their clientele and stick to it. Become an authority in your field on one social media channel.
Focus on consistency
With so many things to do, NP entrepreneurs can get overwhelmed. Use online calendars and email list services to help with organizational tasks and keep from appearing unprofessional.
Market the company early and often
Spread the message about the company’s distinctive brand through social media, friends and family.
Enjoy
In addition to practicing self-care, NPs should focus on developing a business that reflects their entrepreneurial spirit and growth.
In part 2 of her article in Health eCareers, Scala also said that NPs must resist the urge to work all the time.
“In order to provide the best care for your patients, you need to love and care for yourself first,” she said. “If you want your practice to succeed, the only way that it will is when you set aside time for hobbies, socialization and healthy behaviors for yourself. Put you first, and your practice will pay you tenfold.”
NP Entrepreneurial Options
Barbara C. Phillips, APRN, FNP, said opening a private practice is a natural transition for all NPs, but they have plenty of other career opportunities.
In “What kind of business can a nurse practitioner start?,” Phillips said NPs should ensure that the new business falls within their
scope of practice and expertise. NPs should confirm that all their certifications and credentials jibe with the work they are doing. In addition, NPs should consider these aspects of the business:
- Before launching a business, NPs should determine how they will get paid. For some new business owners, it means understanding insurance reimbursements or fee-for-service contracts.
- NP should also ensure that the new business is legal and ethical and should check with an expert if they have any doubts.
Phillips suggested these new business opportunities for NPs:
Specialized clinical practice
Consider opening a practice that provides care to a specific segment of the population, such as women, men, pediatric or
geriatric patients, or that focuses on disease management such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues. Consider bringing clinical services to a particular community, such as a long-term care or assisted living facility, or opening a mobile practice that travels to patient’s homes or businesses.
Continuing education
Plenty of companies already provide continuing education programs for other clinicians, but what about continuing education programs for families, students, or educators? For example, NPs can offer programs that teach community-based CPR or first aid, Phillips said.
Healthcare consulting
Perhaps start a niche consulting business that offers services to specific types of companies. Examples include a consulting firm that focuses on employers with on-site clinics or consulting for companies that provide home-health services.
Retail
For NPs looking to get away from the clinical aspect of healthcare, consider opening a retail establishment focused on health and wellness, such as a health food store, medspa or a gym.
Other
NPs who have specialized skills can try their hand at other non-clinical ventures, such as writing, publishing or IT development (app development).
“There’s no end to what you can do,” Phillips said. “Make sure you have the credentials. Make sure you are within the scope of practice within your state. The rules change every year, and you need to keep up with that.”
