Owning a Practice

Our thanks to Linda Carlson, MS, RN, CPNP for providing the answer to this question.

Question: I love being a PNP but would like to consider working for myself. What opportunities are available and how do I get started?

Answer: This is a great question and is an area in which I have been involved both in having my own business and advising others in how to be successful entrepreneurs. I believe that first of all, it is important to do a self-evaluation to see if you have an entrepreneurial spirit.

If you find yourself wanting to be the boss rather than the employee, you may want to consider owning your own practice.

Perhaps you would like to make good use of all of the experiences that you have gained during your career? If this sounds appealing to you, you may want to consider being a consultant. You may find yourself listening to people who are professional speakers and think, "I could do that." Or, you may identify an area of need within your community -- such as the lack of health care information within daycare centers or the problems associated with early discharge of newborns -- that you would like to turn into a business opportunity. The opportunities are endless, limited only by your imagination.

I would encourage you to first decide what it is that really excites you. Attend educational sessions, such as ones that are offered at the NAPNAP Annual Conference, professional business clubs in your community and consider joining the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA) http://www.nnba.net/.

Most communities have small business groups that will help you develop your business plan. Spend time researching the needs that exist in your community if you would like to have your business in your local area. Talk with others who have done what you would like to do and try to find a mentor. NAPNAP is looking into ways to help in this area. It is true that mentors are hard to find at times, but do not be discouraged! Search the Internet, read books on the topics that interest you and find supportive people who will serve as a source of encouragement to you.

I do have a few word of caution though. It takes time to begin a business and there are many things to consider. First, you may have to volunteer your services for a varying length of time to establish credibility before you can start generating income. You need to be prepared to work and work hard. While you may be the president and CEO of your own company, you also have to realize that you may need to be the administrative assistant and the housekeeping staff, at least initially.

Recognize that you may need to pay someone for consulting services to help you become established in your new role and to serve as a mentor. You may need to consult with a business attorney and/or certified public accountant on an initial and perhaps ongoing basis. And, last but not least, although you may be working by yourself, be sure to establish a network of others with whom you can both encourage and receive support.

Some of our entrepreneurial NAPNAP members work as Child Care Consultants, own their own practices, or are professional speakers and consultants. Some NAPNAP members have created products that appeal to other professionals and to families. Others have pursued a second profession, for example, Nurse Attorneys. The possibilities are endless. If having your own business sounds appealing, I would encourage you to begin investigating those areas that you find particularly interesting. Having your own business has its challenges, but can be a very rewarding experience.