Validation Of A Toolkit On Innovative Business Models For Nurse Practitioner Practice

Background: NPs have a great opportunity to undertake entrepreneurial opportunities. However, according to the International Council of Nurses, “only 0.5%-1% of working nurses are nurse entrepreneurs” (ICN, 2004, pg. 9). This is primarily due to a lack of resources that support entrepreneurial inquiry. Objective: To validate a toolkit on innovative business models for NP practice. Methods: The toolkit was developed by: 1) conducting a comprehensive review of scientific literature, 2) reviewing the needs and barriers of entrepreneurship by interviewing experts and 3) validating the toolkit with a panel of experts. Results: There was 100% agreement on the relevance and importance of nine identified categories: Creating a Business Plan, Money Matters, Know your Target Market, To Buy or To Build, Legal Matters, Credentialing 101, Insurance 101, Building Your Team and Marketing. Conclusions: This toolkit provides a robust step-by-step guide on entrepreneurship and acts as a catalyst for NPs who may consider it in the future. Implications for Nursing: NPs are at the forefront of health reform and can identify gaps in the system where innovative solutions are vital. Access to such resources can provide a necessary infusion of NPs who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship to drive health reform