FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
TOPIC 3 - How Do You Become a
Nurse Entrepreneur
 A nurse entrepreneur is a registered
nurse (RN) who combines their
clinical expertise with business skills
to create and operate their own
business within the healthcare
industry.
 Nurse entrepreneurs may establish a
variety of ventures, including private
nursing practices, consulting services,
healthcare technology startups,
wellness coaching, or educational
programs.
 Hundreds of nurse entrepreneurs
have used their nursing skills,
knowledge, and education to start
businesses. Yet on the whole, nurse
entrepreneurs are still largely
unknown.
What is a Nurse Entrepreneur?
 Nurse entrepreneurs combine
healthcare knowledge and business
sensibilities to develop successful
business ventures that center around
optimal care delivery.
 Nurse entrepreneurs can focus their
business on any of numerous health-
related categories, such as
information technology and patient
data storage, healthcare services, or
medical devices.
 Nursing career site Nurse Theory
defines a nurse entrepreneur as a
nurse who leverages their healthcare
background along with creativity,
business systems knowledge, and
successful investment strategies to
develop their own business in the
healthcare industry.
 These professionals have a range of
roles and enjoy a number of benefits
different from those of traditional
nurses.
1
 Discover how this motivated and
growing group of nurses, often aided
by a Doctor of Nursing Practice or
another advanced degree, could
change the way we think about
nursing.
 The work of nurse entrepreneurs
carries the potential to make a
profound impact on healthcare.
 By independently working to create
new and innovative tools and
systematic industry advances, they
can help lay the foundation to move
the concept of care delivery forward
in many ways.
 These can include more cost-effective
means of care delivery, more efficient
patient treatment, and the ability to
create more robust individualized,
proactive patient wellness strategies.
 Ultimately, nurse entrepreneurs can
make it possible for patients to have
better control over their health and
healthcare costs, which could go a
long way toward helping them
improve their quality of life.
How to Become a Nurse
Entrepreneur
 Becoming a nurse entrepreneur can
give a nursing professional a
significant measure of freedom to
build their healthcare career on their
own terms.
 However, this freedom is carefully
shaped and earned by a specific step-
by-step process.
Education
 Like other professions in the nursing
field, the first step to becoming a
nurse entrepreneur is to earn a
degree. Typically, an advanced
degree is not a requirement;
however, earning an advanced
degree such as a
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
 Doctor of Nursing Practice can help
build an individual’s career.
Certification
 Once an individual earns a degree,
they would then need to gain
certification. The certification
commonly associated with nurse
entrepreneurship is obtained through
the National Council Licensure Exam
for registered nurses (NCLEX -RN),
which is a test administered by the
National Council of State Boards of
Nursing that is designed to confirm
proficiency in metrics like safety,
psychosocial integrity, and health
maintenance.
Experience
 After obtaining licensure, nurse
entrepreneurs need to gain
experience in the nursing field. This
not only allows nurses to build a
record of demonstrable knowledge
and skills in a real-world environment
but also enables them to identify
their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify Your Niche
 Determine your area of interest and
expertise within nursing. This could
be a specific clinical specialty, such as
pediatrics, geriatrics, or a particular
healthcare issue like chronic disease
management, mental health, or
holistic wellness.
Business Education and Skills
 Acquire business knowledge:
Consider obtaining additional
education or training in business
management, entrepreneurship, or
healthcare administration. This will
help you understand the business
aspects of running your own venture.
Develop a Business Plan
 Create a comprehensive business
plan outlining your business goals,
target market, services offered,
2
marketing strategy, and financial
projections. This plan will serve as a
roadmap for your entrepreneurial
venture.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
 Understand the legal requirements:
Familiarize yourself with the legal and
regulatory aspects of operating a
healthcare-related business. This may
include obtaining necessary licenses,
adhering to healthcare regulations,
and ensuring compliance with
professional standards.
Build Professional Networks
 Network with other healthcare
professionals, potential clients, and
business mentors. Establishing
connections within the healthcare
and business communities can
provide valuable support, guidance,
and potential collaborations.
Marketing and Branding
 Develop a strong online and offline
presence through effective
marketing and branding strategies.
This may include creating a
professional website, utilizing social
media, and participating in
community events.
Launch Your Business
 Once you have a solid plan and have
taken care of legal and regulatory
requirements, launch your nurse
entrepreneurship venture. Be
prepared to adapt and refine your
approach based on feedback and
market trends.
Continued Learning
 Stay updated on healthcare trends,
business practices, and any changes
in regulations that may affect your
business. Continuous learning will
help you adapt to the evolving
landscape of healthcare and
entrepreneurship.
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
 Becoming a nurse entrepreneur
requires a combination of nursing
expertise, business acumen, and a
passion for innovation in healthcare
delivery. It's an exciting path for
those who want to make a difference
in patient care while also building and
managing their own business.
 This can allow a nurse to improve
and optimize their approach to
healthcare delivery before they strike
out on their own health-related
venture.
Nurse Entrepreneurship Qualities
 Successful nurse entrepreneurs
possess a skillet that allows them to
seamlessly integrate healthcare and
business, such as strong leadership,
analytical and communication
competencies. At the same time, they
must possess other characteristics
that can enable them to apply their
skills independently.
Business Development
 Nurse entrepreneurs must be able to
see how their healthcare experience
can lead to the development of a
successful business. An example of
this action stems from Seattle Sutton
,RN, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating
prepares thousands of nutritionally
balanced meals every week for
clients across the U.S.
 Another example of nurse
entrepreneurial success is Pat Bemis
RN, who has built a care-based
empire through her website, CDs,
seminars and handbooks, including
her self-published debut “Emergency
Nursing Bible”.
Independence
 Nurse entrepreneurs must have the
ability to work independently, which
means a head nurse or nursing
3
executives. It means having the self-
discipline and motivation necessary to
shape an effective business model.
This can range from deciding how
their work is done to determining
how much they can charge for their
services. Earning an advanced
degree such as a DNP can help
individuals develop this discipline.
Passion
 It is essential for nurse entrepreneurs
to effectively channel the interests
they are most passionate about, such
as nutrition, technology, or
education, into a specific field. For
instance, the nurse entrepreneur who
is passionate about reducing the risk
of cardiovascular disease may focus
their career path on developing
devices that can help people better
manage their blood pressure,
cholesterol, and other elements that
can impact their heart health.
Flexibility
 Nurse entrepreneurs need to
embrace the flexibility that comes
with the role and use it wisely.
Working independently gives nurse
entrepreneurs the ability to control
their own schedules and build a
better work-life balance. However, it
also comes with the responsibility to
build their schedules in a way that
optimizes effectiveness for their
businesses to grow and develop.
Nurse Entrepreneurs Are Making an
Impact
 Clara Barton is considered the first
nurse entrepreneur. She founded the
American Red Cross in 1881, and her
organization continues to make a
profound global impact today.
 Other nurses have followed in her
entrepreneurial footsteps and made
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
an impact in their own way. One of
these nurses was Gayle Francis, who
founded AMN Healthcare in 1985
under the name American Mobile
Nurses. The company she founded
changed its name in 1998 to create
an umbrella organization that could
house the smaller companies that
AMN Healthcare was ready to
acquire. Over the past two decades,
AMN purchased over a dozen
healthcare staffing companies and
their affiliated sub-brands.
 Another nurse entrepreneur making a
difference is Cyndie Colarusso, RN,
BSN, CPTC, CTBS. The company she
founded, Pathways Consulting,
provides services to the procurement
and tissue banking community.
Pathways also helps to enhance the
care and appreciation of donor
families whose loved ones gave the
ultimate gift.
 A third example of successful nurse
entrepreneurship comes from Renee
Baldo, RN, BS, MBA. Baldo is the
founder of Unlimited Potential, a
skincare and wellness studio that
takes a holistic approach to mind,
body, and spirit. Her own experience
with therapeutic face and body
treatments and her deep
understanding of stress and its
effects ultimately allows her to
encourage her clients to be proactive
in preventing negative effects over
time.
Promote Real Change in Healthcare
 Entrepreneurial nurses are changing
the field of healthcare, and you could
be next.
 Maryville University offers several
nursing programs, including an online
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to
BSN) program and an online Master
4
of Science in Nursing program. For
aspiring nurse entrepreneurs
preparing for the future of healthcare
and looking to build their skills and
experience with a terminal degree,
Maryville’s online DNP
programs offers a curriculum that
helps them pursue a host of
healthcare leadership positions,
including as business owners.
 To get started on the path to
advancing your nursing expertise and
career, explore what the online DNP
program can do for you. A nurse
entrepreneur is a nurse who uses
their medical background and
expertise to build healthcare-focused
businesses. These professionals play
a pivotal role in advancing healthcare
by innovating medical systems,
products, and services.
 They employ creativity, investing,
business strategies, and problem-
solving to create, promote, and
implement new technologies.
 Nurse entrepreneurs also compel
competitors to deliver better
technology, products, services,
software, and healthcare standards.
 Nurse entrepreneurs’ products and
services lead to a higher quality of
life, cheaper medical care and faster
treatment.
 It includes medical applications,
devices, information systems,
products/services, communication
software, record-keeping software,
and educational resources.
 Here is a short list of nurse
entrepreneurs’ technologies,
products, and services.
Technologies/Services Developed
by Nurse Entrepreneurs:
 Computer and smartphone medical
applications
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
 Medical tools, devices, and
technology
 Communication software
 Electronic medical record-keeping
software
 Educational products, services, and
resources
 Patient care services
 Fashionable and functional healthcare
clothing
 Consulting services/Healthcare
management systems
 Home health services
 Nurse entrepreneurs follow the latest
trends, procedures, practices, and
new and existing medical technology
applications.
 They also create and implement
various services to improve
healthcare systems, patient
healthcare, and employee well-being.
 As a result, they’re constantly
innovating and developing
products/services to enhance the
healthcare industry.
 Because nurse entrepreneurs are
business people, they require the
same talents and skills as most
entrepreneurs. It includes finding
financially viable niches, developing
desirable products/services, obtaining
capital, marketing, and developing
teams to execute business plans.
 Nurse entrepreneurs have the
passion and perseverance to create
businesses that improve healthcare.
As a result, they enhance patients’
lives, help the economy and make
healthcare providers’ jobs easier.
 To succeed, nurse entrepreneurs
must be self-motivated, well –
educated, creative, and focused on
solving problems. After all, they’re
their boss, which means they’re
5
accountable for the success or failure
of their ventures.
 Income also depends on their
successes, and nurses who do
exceptionally well make millions
providing invaluable services.
However, it requires pushing through
obstacles and never giving up on
changing the healthcare landscape
and improving millions of lives.
 However, it requires pushing through
obstacles and never giving up on
changing the healthcare landscape
and improving millions of lives.
 Finally, nurse entrepreneurs create
jobs for those interested in
supporting their vision of a healthier,
more advanced future. By pushing
the limits of innovation, consumers,
healthcare providers, and patients
benefit from new technology,
services, and healthcare standards.
Business Skills of a Nurse
Entrepreneur
 Innovation
 Marketing
 Business development
 A business vision
 Management
 Financial/accounting
 Networking and mentorship
 Entrepreneurs acquire skills through
continuous education, practice, and
implementation. They must also learn
to be more creative, improve their
marketing abilities, and develop
problem-solving skills.
Advancing the Healthcare Industry
 Advancing the healthcare industry is
one of the most invaluable aspects of
being a nurse entrepreneur.
 The software, medical clothing, tools,
and services they create ensure
medical professionals perform their
best.
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
 Accordingly, it ensures patients
receive better healthcare and medical
staff functions more effectively and
efficiently. New technologies also
make it possible to detect medical
conditions better, manage patient
data and improve treatments.
Healthcare Industry Advancements
 Medical treatment refinements
 Communication systems
 Medical record-keeping
advancements
 Hiring and management systems
 Training software
 Educational programs
 Medical equipment
Enhancing Healthcare Workers’
Lives
 Nurse entrepreneurs work in mental
health, wellness coaching, nutrition,
and motivation geared toward
healthcare workers.
 Their medical background and
expertise allow them to understand
their client’s needs better and more
comprehensively.
 As a result, they develop programs to
accommodate healthcare workers’
needs better than experts with no
medical experience.
 Nurse entrepreneurs also develop
educational programs and resources
to help students succeed in nursing
school and professional life.
 Finally, there’s a vast assortment of
products, from fashionable scrubs
and nurse t-shirts to recovery gear
for those with different needs.
Start Your Own Business as a Nurse
in the Philippines
 Nurse entrepreneurship is on the rise
in the Philippines, offering nurses the
opportunity to break free from
6
traditional roles and create their own
businesses.
 This guide explores the exciting world
of nurse entrepreneurship in the
country, highlighting the diverse
opportunities, challenges, and steps
to launch a successful venture.
 From healthcare consulting to home
care services, discover how you can
leverage your nursing expertise and
entrepreneurial spirit to make a
meaningful impact in the healthcare
industry.
 Get ready to embark on a rewarding
journey of innovation and business
ownership as a nurse entrepreneur in
the Philippines.
Identifying Healthcare Needs and
Market Opportunities
 To launch a successful nurse-led
business in the Philippines, it is
crucial to identify healthcare needs
and market opportunities. Thorough
market research, staying updated
with industry trends, and
collaborating with healthcare
professionals can provide valuable
insights.
 By understanding the specific
demands and gaps in the healthcare
landscape, nurse entrepreneurs can
develop innovative solutions and
make a meaningful impact in
improving patient care.
Navigating Legal and Regulatory
Requirements for Nurse
Entrepreneurs
 Navigating the legal and regulatory
requirements is crucial for nurse
entrepreneurs in the Philippines to
ensure compliance and the smooth
operation of their businesses.
 It is essential to familiarize oneself
with the regulations set by the
Professional Regulation Commission
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
(PRC) and the Department of Health
(DOH) that govern the licensure and
practice of healthcare professionals.
Understanding the specific guidelines
related to starting and operating a
healthcare business is vital.
 Nurse entrepreneurs should also
consider legal structures for their
businesses, such as sole
proprietorship, partnership, or
corporation, and comply with the
registration procedures outlined by
the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) or the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI).
 Privacy and confidentiality regulations
must be followed to protect patient
information and comply with the Data
Privacy Act of 2012. Acquiring
professional liability insurance and
other relevant insurance policies is
essential to mitigate risks and
liabilities.
 By navigating the legal and
regulatory landscape effectively,
nurse entrepreneurs can establish
their businesses with integrity,
ensure compliance with industry
standards, and gain the trust and
confidence of patients and
stakeholders.
 Seeking professional advice and
staying updated with regulatory
changes are key to successfully
navigating the legal requirements
and regulations in the nurse
entrepreneurship journey.
Developing a Business Plan: From
Vision to Execution
 Creating a comprehensive business
plan is a crucial step for nurse
entrepreneurs, as it provides a
roadmap for turning their vision into
a successful reality.
7
 A well-crafted business plan outlines
the goals, strategies, and financial
projections that guide the
development and growth of the
business.
Vision and Mission
 To begin, nurse entrepreneurs must
clearly define their vision and
mission. This involves identifying the
target market, understanding the
unique value proposition of the
business, and establishing clear
objectives. A strong vision provides a
sense of direction and purpose,
serving as a foundation for the entire
business plan.
Market Research
 Market research is a critical
component of developing a business
plan. It involves analyzing the
industry landscape, identifying
competitors, and understanding
customer needs and preferences.
This information helps nurse
entrepreneurs identify market gaps
and tailor their offerings to meet
specific demands.
Marketing and sales strategy
 The business plan should also include
a detailed marketing and sales
strategy. This includes defining the
target audience, outlining marketing
channels and tactics, and setting
sales goals.
 Additionally, establishing a pricing
strategy, conducting a cost analysis,
and projecting financial forecasts are
essential for financial planning and
sustainability.
Organizational Structure
 Furthermore, nurse entrepreneurs
should outline the organizational
structure, including staffing
requirements and responsibilities.
Building a competent team and
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
identifying key personnel is crucial for
executing the business plan
effectively.
Risk assessment and contingency
planning
 Risk assessment and contingency
planning are also important aspects
of the business plan.
 Identifying potential challenges, such
as regulatory changes or unforeseen
market shifts, allows nurse
entrepreneurs to develop strategies
to mitigate risks and ensure business
continuity.
 A risk assessment is a process used
to identify potential hazards and
analyze what could happen if a
disaster or hazard occurs. There are
numerous hazards to consider, and
each hazard could have many
possible scenarios happening within
or because of it. Use the Risk
Assessment Tool to complete your
risk assessment.
Timeline and milestones
 Lastly, the business plan should
include a timeline and milestones to
track progress and measure success.
Regularly reviewing and updating the
plan ensures its relevance and
adaptability to changing
circumstances.
 By developing a well-thought-out
business plan, nurse entrepreneurs
can align their vision with actionable
strategies, secure financing, and
navigate the challenges of starting
and growing a successful business.
 It serves as a guide for decision-
making, helping them stay focused
and achieve their entrepreneurial
goals.
8
Funding Options for Nurse
Entrepreneurs in the Philippines
 Nurse entrepreneurs in the
Philippines have several funding
options to support their business
endeavors.
 These include personal savings, loans
from banks, financial assistance from
family and friends, government
grants, crowdfunding, and
partnerships with angel investors or
venture capitalists.
 Each option has its own requirements
and benefits, providing nurse
entrepreneurs with flexibility in
securing the necessary capital.
 Personal savings and family financing
offer control and flexibility, while
bank loans require a solid business
plan and collateral.
 Government programs and grants
specifically support small businesses,
crowdfunding platforms attract
donations and investments, and
partnerships bring expertise and
networking opportunities.
 By selecting suitable funding options,
nurse entrepreneurs can secure
resources for business growth.
Marketing and Branding Strategies
for Healthcare Startups
 Effective marketing and branding
strategies play a crucial role in the
success of healthcare startups. These
strategies help healthcare
entrepreneurs build a strong brand
and attract clients. Here are some
key considerations for developing
effective marketing and branding
strategies for healthcare startups:
Define your target audience
 Understand your target audience’s
demographics, needs, and
preferences. This knowledge will
guide your marketing efforts and help
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
tailor your messaging to resonate
with your target market.
Develop a compelling brand
identity
 Create a strong brand identity that
reflects your values, mission, and
unique selling propositions. Design a
memorable logo, choose appropriate
colors and fonts, and develop
consistent brand messaging that
aligns with your target audience’s
preferences.
Build an engaging website
 Invest in a user-friendly and visually
appealing website that showcases
your services, expertise, and patient
testimonials. Optimize your website
for search engines to improve its
visibility and attract organic traffic.
Utilize content marketing
 Create valuable and educational
content such as blog posts, articles,
and videos to position yourself as an
expert in your field. Share your
content on social media platforms
and relevant online communities to
attract and engage your target
audience.
Leverage social media
 Establish a presence on popular
social media platforms such as
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Share informative and engaging
content, interact with your audience,
and utilize targeted advertising to
reach a wider audience.
Collaborate with influencers
 Identify influencers or key opinion
leaders in the healthcare industry
who can endorse your services or
collaborate on promotional
campaigns. Their endorsement can
help build trust and credibility with
your target audience.
Engage in community outreach
9
 Participate in local events, health
fairs, and community initiatives to
raise awareness about your startup
and connect with potential patients or
clients. Sponsor relevant healthcare
events or offer educational
workshops to demonstrate your
expertise.
Encourage online reviews and
testimonials
 Positive reviews and testimonials
from satisfied patients or clients can
significantly impact your reputation
and attract new customers.
Encourage your patients or clients to
leave reviews on platforms such as
Google, Yelp, or Healthgrades.
Monitor and analyze results
 Continuously monitor and analyze the
effectiveness of your marketing
efforts.
 Use analytics tools to track website
traffic, engagement metrics, and
conversion rates.
 Adjust your strategies based on the
insights gained to optimize your
marketing campaigns.
 By implementing these marketing
and branding strategies, healthcare
startups can enhance their visibility,
attract a larger customer base, and
establish a strong brand presence in
the competitive healthcare industry.
 Web traffic is any visit your website
receives from a browser, searcher, or
user.
 Most companies measure web traffic
by volume, looking at the collective
number of visits over a period, such
as days, weeks, or months.
 Your website traffic volume often
depends on your audience’s goals,
the purpose of your website, and the
way people access your website.
FREELECT-EM – The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Nursing
How do you become a Nurse Entrepreneur
 User engagement metrics
are measurements that help
companies track metrics like page
views, session duration and user
feedback.
 These metrics provide app
developers, web developers or
content creators with information
regarding how engaged audiences
are with digital content or apps.
 Conversion rate measures the
number of users who converted as a
percentage of the total number of
users that visited your site. The
higher your conversion rate, the
more effective your content.
 In the marketing world, conversions
refer to the moment when a user
responds to a call to action.

Conclusion
In conclusion, nurse entrepreneurship in
the Philippines offers nurses the
opportunity to start their own
businesses, make an impact on patient
care, and create fulfilling career paths.
With careful planning, adherence to
regulations, and a commitment to
excellence, nurse entrepreneurs can
shape the future of healthcare and leave
a lasting legacy in the industry.

10