Starting a Business as a Nurse Consultant

Abstract

This is the first of two continuing education (CE) articles for occupational health nurses interested in starting their own business. Both articles build on the January 1997 focused issue with four CE articles dedicated to consulting in occupational health nursing practice. In this issue, Papp explores practical issues and poses questions beginning occupational health nurse consultants must confront prior to starting a business. Rainer's article, scheduled for the April 2000 issue of the AAOHN Journal, focuses on managing financial resources effectively to sustain a profitable business.

Businesses are changing continually in response to a highly competitive marketplace. As a result, occupational health nurses continue to be challenged both clinically and managerially to demonstrate value whether they work within the organization or external to it. This two part series encourages occupational health nurses to examine options for adding value from an entrepreneurial perspective.

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