Nurse Business Owner

Empowering Black Nurses to live up to their FULL POTENTIAL

Boss, business owner, entrepreneuer, Nurse Boss, Nurse Business Owner, nurse entrepreneuer, Nursing Leadership

By Alvionna J. Brewster, BSN, RN

There has been no better time in history than the present for black nurses to live out our full potential. So many of us have gone to college and obtained our nursing degrees. We proudly display our credentials behind our names using almost every letter in the alphabet. But I will ask you at what cost? Many nurses are broken down financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. In some ways, the harsh reality is that healthcare has a way of expecting nurses to give their all while receiving little in return. Long shifts, inappropriate ratios and unsafe conditions take their toll. Not to mention, the underlying racism and inequality that still persists.

The corporate mentality will have you believing that you have made it once you have a fancy degree and are making a decent salary with great benefits. Unfortunately, this mentality can be stagnating. It sets you up for complacency and a mediocre mindset of which I want to encourage you to avoid. This doesn’t mean that I support or am encouraging you to perform your work duties at a subpar level. I am simply suggesting that you work twice as hard building and maturing your potential to the full extent.
You are likely a first-generation nurse or you come from a long-line of nurses. Either way, you have more opportunities than ever before to be great. The duty and responsibility of the black nurse comes with a little extra. We should be creating new businesses and opportunities that focus on empowering and uplifting our people. If the example you are looking for is not there, create it. Be the example that you want to see in a world that needs to hear your voice. I am a firm believer that God has instilled within us exactly what we need to be great. This greatness gives us the ability to do things that have never been done before.

We represent generations of people who did not trust the healthcare system because of the mistreatment, the lies and the unethical practices. Our responsibility is more than just passing meds and taking vital signs. It is our duty to live up to our full potential. We are simply too brilliant and too smart not to take advantage of being at the forefront of an evolving healthcare system. This call to duty extends past the four walls of a hospital building, but into the minds, hearts and communities of each citizen.

Living out your full potential doesn’t have to be hard. It may include:

· advocating for sufficient healthcare for everyone in this country.

· ensuring that our children have safe places to play, learn and grow.

· ensuring that our elderly are cared for with dignity and respect.

· ensuring that we are making smart and savvy financial decisions.

· making sure we are taking care of our mind, body and spirit.

· making sure that we are leaving the next generation with something to build on.

· AND, using our nursing and leadership skills to build lasting legacies.

As you start focusing on your potential, please remember that what God has given to our people cannot be suffocated nor muted. It is up to you to take advantage of the amazing opportunity, we as health professionals and leaders, have to stand up for what is right, just and necessary. The potential is there, but you will have to develop and nurture it. The seed has already been planted within the depths of your soul. If you never tap into your potential, then you never discover what God has instilled into you and our very livelihood depends upon it.

Now tap into your potential and go be great!!!

Alvionna Brewster has been a registered nurse since 2005, primarily specializing in cardiovascular care and preventative medicine. In 2015, Alvionna started Black Nurse Entrepreneurs in order to network, empower, and encourage entrepreneurship amongst black nurses. Currently, Alvionna is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education with hopes of opening a nursing education center with a focus on community and clinical educational resources. She is passionate about the success of new nurses, helping patients successfully understand and manage disease processes and the advancement of African-Americans. In her free time, you will catch her creating crafts for her first business, The Creative Brewtique.

Recently, Alvionna completed her first book called Transparency: Claiming Victory in Life and in Nursing.

To contact the author:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/alvionnatheauthor/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/alvionnabrewster

Website: www.alvionnatheauthor.com

How to start a Travel Health clinic: The perfect niche for an NP.

aprn, Author, business owner, entrepreneuer, Nurse Boss, Nurse Business Owner, nurse entrepreneuer, nurse practitioner, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Professor

by Dr. Nancy Dirubbo, FNP, FAANP

The Perfect Niche for an NP-Owned Business

Many NPs who want to start a business are looking for a niche. While I started a primary care practice for women in 1985, I was ready for a change. I was looking for a niche that could provide me with a part time practice that would allow me flexibility, low stress and a healthy income. I wanted to be free of the ever increasing, administrative burdens of managing a traditional fee for service practice. Those tasks that were taking me away from face to face delivery of patient care that was so important to me.

In my waiting room I had a digital picture frame with photos from my trips. Patients would see it and ask me for advice about their upcoming trips. What shots do I need? How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea? Should I take malaria pills? It occurred to me that there was a need for this type of service in my community and it could be a practice I could do part time.

In 2008 I opened Travel Health of New Hampshire, PLLC (www.travelhealthnh.com). I operated it on a limited basis side by side to my primary care practice until 2015 when I retired from primary care and now I operate the travel clinic part time.

Why do I think travel health is perfect practice model for an NP owned business?

1. Low cost to start – you can easily open a travel clinic for less than $15,000.

2. Perfect model for a cash only practice since most insurances wont cover travel health anyways.

3. Low overhead- you don’t need a lot of space or fancy equipment.

4. Low need for staff- I actually don’t have any. A full -time travel clinic could run with an NP and one staff person.

5. It’s easy to learn what you need to gain expertise in travel health online. Great for new grads. (www.BeaconCEU.com “The Comprehensive Course in Travel Health”.

6. You don’t need sophisticated business skills to run it successfully.

7. There is an online program that teaches you step by step how to start and run a travel clinic (www.BeaconCEU.com “Owning, Opening, & Operating a Travel Clinic”).

8. Great add on – you can add travel health as another revenue stream to an existing practice.

9. Flexibility – see patients when you want, no call, and you can do this part time while you work for someone else. Ideal for someone who wants time with their family or as a semi-retirement business.

10. And it’s fun! Patients are happy to come see you. You can spend 45 minutes to an hour with your patients and really get to know them.

Travel health is an exciting field in health care that is a perfect practice for an NP owned business. What are you waiting for?

For more information contact Nancy Dirubbo, DNP, FNP, FAANP, Certificate in Travel Health at ndirubbo@BeaconCEU.com

How a NP can start a Housecall practice

aprn, Boss, business owner, Nurse Boss, Nurse Business Owner, nurse entrepreneuer, nurse practitioner

by Dr. Scharmaine Lawson, FNP, FAANP, FAAN

Medical house call practices by nurse practitioners are beginning to gain a lot of attention, as more nurse practitioners are making house calls to provide medical aid to patients who cannot visit a health facility. A Housecall practice by nurse practitioners enables advanced practice nurses to build a private practice with less overhead, and ultimately, earn more revenue. It also offers some flexibility in work schedule, as well as some degree of freedom. If you are a advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you too can start a house call practice today.

Key Steps for Starting a House Call Practice

Starting a house call practice can be a tumultuous process for many nurse practitioners, as most are confused about where and how to start. However, like many small businesses, a nursing house call practice also requires certain steps and processes you have to take to make it a success. To help you build a successful house call practice, highlighted below are some crucial things you need to do.

· Get Your Credentials

The first thing you need to do before setting up your practice is go through the credentialing process. This is required, especially, if you will be accepting payments from patients with government or private insurance. You will be asked by insurers about your medical background, as well as all the necessary licenses and permits. The entire process can take several months, so you might want to start early, to get it over and done with, as soon as possible.

· Get Licensed

Next, you need to follow some important regulations set up by your state and the federal government. You will need to get licensed by the APRN licensing department in your state. Depending on the state where you hope to have your practice set up, you might want to visit the Board of Nursing for your state to get the requirements. There may be other requirements you might have to provide, including DEA registration if you will be administering medication to your patients. You might also need to provide a national provider identifier number (NPI). If you do not have one, you can apply on the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System website.

· Establish a Legal Structure

Your house call practice will also need a legal business structure, which will help determine how you will be paying your taxes, as well as the extent to which you will be liable for losses, debts, and lawsuits. Thus, you might want to hire an attorney that will help you make the right legal decisions. Your attorney will oversee the entire legal aspect of your practice, by drafting legal documents like articles of incorporation/organization, partnership agreements, etc.

· Fund Your Practice

You may also require a small business loan or some other form of capital, to fund your house call practice. You will need to consider the cost of equipment, an accountant, attorney and other costs. Other expenses to add to your start-up cost, include the cost of medical records software, computers, medical supplies like gloves, bandages, syringes, etc. To get funding for your practice, you will need to find the right lender for you, as well as make sure that you have all the requirements they need.

These are just some key steps you need to take when planning to start a house call practice. for more in-depth information on how to start a house call practice as a nurse practitioner, You should Order Housecalls 101. And, if you would like to learn, first hand, the essential skills, and tools needed to run a successful house call practice, Book the House Call Course by Dr. Lawson today!

IG: @Dr_LawsonNP

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrScharmaineBakerNP/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlawsonnp/

Nursing Leadership: Difference between a leader and a boss

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The power of Nursing Leadership: Difference between a leader and a boss The buzz word these days seems to be “I am a BOSS” as well as other catchy phrases as it relates to being in charge, autonomous, independent and the like thereof. I wanted to delve a bit deeper into the word Boss and how it does not make you a leader. As I was researching the word boss and leader, I came across these definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Boss- a person who exercises control or authority union bosses a mafia boss; specifically: one who directs or supervises workers. Leader- a person who leads: such as a guide and/or conductor. A person who directs a military force or unit leaders of the army. A person who has commanding authority or influence.

What stood out as a difference were the words influence, lead, guide to describe leader while a boss used words like control, authority, direct and supervise. I have 22 years of leadership experience of being a leader in the Army. The Army has afforded me the opportunity as a very junior Soldier to be placed in leadership positions above my grade level. Years later becoming a nurse, I’ve gained experience to be a nursing leader through developing both my bedside and administrative skills. I have been stationed in remote areas of the world where I was the only public health nurse and had the privilege to serve as the Garrison health consultant and be instrumental as a site surveyor in the grand opening of the child development center in Daegu, Korea. The military has taught me about peer leadership and how to successfully earn respect based on character and not just position. The military has helped me to strive to be a compassionate, hardworking and strong nurse whether it’s in the Medical surgical department, pediatric unit or disaster preparedness for family and servicemembers who staged in South Korea from the Japan Tsunami of 2011. Leadership is not defined by title, rank, degree or stature. It is born and bred and exists within. It is a desire. It is advocating and taking care of others. It’s acknowledging weakness as well as strength. It is the empowered, empowering others to be leaders. I’ve been fortunate to attend leadership courses that helped hone and define my leadership skills. Leadership has taught me that one should never compromise their moral compass to get to the top but should always carry themselves with honesty and integrity. The late Dwight.D.Eisenhower, 34th President of United States, once said, “The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity.

When discussing Nursing Leadership, it is safe to say that it is the driving force in advocating and delivering the quality of care and the patient care outcome that is essential in today’s complex healthcare system. It is my belief that from the moment you become a nurse, you become a leader. From the bedside, to the administrative role, you are a leader. As nurses, we have to take on the role of a leader, be that change agent who will leave a legacy that influences not only our healthcare system, but the next generation of nurses. The profession of nursing must find a way to afford opportunities to the most exceptional individuals, even if their journey of success was not like their own. This is an act of selfless service, to be able to embrace the entire young professional nurse in an effort to produce the greatest outcome.

I want to share with you six leadership nuggets that have guided my everyday actions and have influenced my approach to nursing:

1. Always display integrity and allow no one, no organization to get in the way of that.

2. Loyalty to yourself, your organization, colleagues and those entrusted in your care.

3. Compassion- Its ok to be firm, fair and assertive but do not lose sight of extending compassion.

4. Professionalism- Nursing is a profession, act accordingly.

5. Always put yourself in position to learn new things-Continued education is key to future success.

6. Never forget your Why.

Dr. Estacy Porter is a wife, mother of 4 kids and a retired Army Nurse Captain of over 22 years with her last job as Chief of Preventive Medicine Department. She is a Board Certified Advance Public Health Nurse and licensed Nurse Practitioner in Community Health. Dr. Porter is the founder and CEO of Jewel in His Eyes, a Holistic Health Empowerment program for girls and women to live and be the healthiest version of themselves as well as founder of Garifuna Nurses United, is a membership-based organization with a mission to gather Garifuna Nurses from across the diaspora together to foster a positive environment of growth, professional development and address health disparities amongst the Garifuna people. Her Doctoral Project focused on developing an executive level leadership and mentorship toolkit for Army Public Health Nurses.

@estacyport

Bleeding While Homeless

Advanced Practice Nurse, entrepreneuer, Nurse Business Owner, nurse entrepreneuer, nurse practitioner, Uncategorized African-American, Business, Business owners, Healthcare, Homeless, NP

charlene

by Charlene Rainey-Bell, FNP-C

Imagine, it’s that “time of the month” and your homeless! For a homeless woman of menstruating age, menses brings a week of struggling, not only to find a way to handle the physical and emotional symptoms, but to also contain the flow of blood, as tampons and pads are expensive and for most homeless women, completely out of reach. Many times, this means relying on fashioning makeshift “pads” of sorts, made from toilet paper or paper towels scrounged from public restrooms and even resorting at times to socks, rags or brown paper bags.

When you are homeless, there is no comfort to be had from a warm shower, no retreat into your private bedroom where you can relax with a heating pad and certainly no visit to your personal physician to get a prescription for pain relieving medication if needed. Then there’s the issue of simple cleanliness to think about, as there is also no relief from the constant threat of disease associated with the repeated use of unsanitary materials, such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, vulvar dermatitis or worse death, not to mention an unpleasant odor, which can occur when the genital area is not cleaned daily.

Forget for a moment the comfort a warm bath would bring and just focus on how you would feel if you had your menses and couldn’t bathe, except maybe to hurriedly wipe yourself with a wad of cold wet paper towels in the stall of a public restroom. For a homeless woman and for the approximately 169,000 homeless women like her who are living on the streets on any given night in the United States, this miserable scenario is relentlessly repeated each and every month, twelve times throughout the year.

A box of tampons costs about five to seven dollars and for the woman who is homeless, the choice is all too often between buying them and having something to eat. To make matters worse, in forty states, menstrual supplies such as pads and tampons are classified as non-essential “luxury” items, further adding to their cost, while Viagra, a medication that treats erectile dysfunction, is taxed in only one state! Plus, even if a woman has access to food stamps (SNAP), feminine hygiene products cannot be purchased with this money.

That’s why in 2017, I started Her Padded Truth, a nonprofit organization geared toward providing women who are homeless, in transition, and living in impoverished conditions with menstrual hygiene products. We are geared to ending menstrual shaming and educating communities and government on the unfair “pink tax” that women are subjected to in many states. We are a grassroots movement making a huge impact in the state of Virginia. Since starting we have donated over 10,000 menstrual hygiene products to women across the Hampton Roads area and abroad. The goal is to bring awareness and remove the shame of the stain.