title: Independent community care gerontological nursing: becoming an entrepreneur.
abstract: Few nurses have the experience of developing an independent practice. This ethnographic study explores the process and challenges of becoming an entrepreneur as described by nurses developing independent practices in community care gerontologic nursing. The process included developing a legal contract, marketing strategies, and reimbursement amounts and strategies. Major barriers to implementing this role identified by the nurses included ignorance and confusion by others about their role, financial issues related to an uncertain income, time management, and legal concerns especially around delegation. These were experienced and dedicated nurses who were also risk-takers and enjoyed the independence of practicing nursing because they believed it was meant to be practiced. Suggestions for research, education, and practice are included.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, Ashland, OR 97520, USA.
authors.forename: Rosalie A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Caffrey
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003284:Contract Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D016520:Entrepreneurship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005376:Financial Management; D017144:Focus Groups; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009922:Oregon; D011331:Private Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management