Creating new pathways through entrepreneurship in nursing | Viewpoint

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The nursing profession has long been regarded as the most trusted, with nurses playing a vital role in patient care. However, recent years have brought to light a host of challenges faced by nurses, including feelings of being undervalued, overworked and lack of support.

According to a recent survey by the American Nurses Foundation, 56% of nurses reported experiencing burnout and emotional exhaustion, while 64% reported increased stress due to their jobs. Despite these obstacles, nurses are actively stepping into leadership roles to enhance health care delivery, improve nursing well-being, and drive innovation within health care organizations.

The designation of 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse” was a significant milestone that aimed to celebrate the dedication and contributions of nurses worldwide. However, the reality for many nurses today paints a grimmer picture, with issues such as stagnant wages and burnout. This underscores the need for supporting and empowering nurses in their pivotal roles.

As nurses increasingly assume leadership positions, they require mentorship and support to advance the profession and reignite passion within the field. Many nurses are exploring new career paths beyond traditional hospital settings, seeking opportunities for growth, better work-life balance, and increased compensation. These transitions not only demonstrate the adaptability and expertise of nurses but also highlight their ability to drive positive change and enhance patient outcomes in diverse health care environments. It is crucial that these nurses receive the necessary support.

The rise of nurse entrepreneurs has the potential to catalyze broader shifts in the health care industry, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement. By bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the entrepreneurial sphere, nurses are promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and challenging traditional care delivery models. Through entrepreneurship, nurses are not only shaping their professional destinies but also influencing the future of health care in significant ways.

By embracing entrepreneurship, nurses can create new pathways for growth and impact, redefine the future of health care through innovation and leadership, and contribute to positive change for patients and health care systems worldwide.

Dr. Celia McIntosh is the founder of McIntosh Advocacy & Consulting. She is a dually certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner and empowerment coach with 20 years of work experience in the health care sector.