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The nursing profession has long been considered the most trusted, and nurses play an important role in patient care. However, recent years have highlighted a number of challenges faced by nurses, including feelings of being undervalued, overworked and unsupported. According to a recent survey by the American Nursing Foundation, 56% of nurses reported experiencing burnout or mental exhaustion, and 64% reported increased stress from work. Despite these obstacles, nurses are actively taking on leadership roles to enhance healthcare delivery, improve nursing well-being, and drive innovation within healthcare organizations.
The designation of 2020 as the Year of the Nurse was an important milestone aimed at celebrating the dedication and contributions of nurses around the world. However, the reality for many nurses today paints a much grimmer picture, with problems such as stagnant wages and burnout. This highlights the need to support and empower nurses in their vital role.
As nurses increasingly assume leadership positions, they need guidance and support to advance the profession and rekindle their passion in the field. Many nurses are seeking new career paths beyond the traditional hospital setting for opportunities for growth, improved work-life balance, and increased compensation. These transitions not only demonstrate nurses’ adaptability and expertise, but also highlight their ability to drive positive change and improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings. It is important that these nurses receive the support they need.
The rise of nurse entrepreneurs has the potential to drive widespread change in the healthcare industry, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By bringing their unique perspectives and insights to the realm of entrepreneurship, nurses foster interdisciplinary collaboration and challenge traditional care delivery models. Through entrepreneurship, nurses are not only shaping their professional destiny, but also having a major impact on the future of healthcare.
By embracing entrepreneurship, nurses are creating new avenues for growth and impact, redefining the future of health care through innovation and leadership, and creating positive change for patients and health systems around the world. I can.
Dr. Celia McIntosh is the founder of McIntosh Advocacy & Consulting. She is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and is also an empowerment coach with 20 years of experience working in the healthcare field.
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