Advanced practice nurse entrepreneurs in a multidisciplinary surgical-assisting partnership

AORN Journal, Sept, 2005 by Linda DeCarlo

Reimbursement for RNFAs varies. As of 2005, 10 states (ie, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, West Virginia) (6) have legislated third-party reimbursement for RNFAs. Currently, Medicare and federally sponsored insurance programs do not reimburse RNFAs. AORN continues to support legislation for direct Medicare reimbursement of certified RNFAs (CRNFAs). (7) The Medicare Payment Advisory Committee will be presenting recommendations regarding reimbursement of all categories of first assistants to Congress in the 2005 congressional session. (7)

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF ENTREPRENEURS

Before a nurse decides to enter the health care business world, he or she should perform a personal assessment. Advance practice nurse entrepreneurs providing surgical-assisting services may want to consider pursuing advanced degrees as a way of securing their future. In the current health care environment, masters-degree prepared NPs and CNSs are better positioned than RNFAs to take advantage of Medicare reimbursement and to provide expanded services to the surgeons they assist. Success will come to entrepreneurs who adapt their services as the marketplace changes. (2) In addition to clinical expertise, successful nurse entrepreneurs should have specific personal characteristics, excellent interpersonal skills, and business acumen (Table 1).

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS, Personal characteristics of nurse entrepreneurs include independence, flexibility, assertiveness, accountability, creativity, and vision. (8) According to the Women's Business Center of the Small Business Administration, characteristics of entrepreneurs include

* a drive to achieve,

* ability to accept and thrive on change,

* ability to handle stress,

* an appetite for hard work,

* discipline,

* good judgment,

* independence, and

* self confidence,

with profits being secondary to personal success. (9) According to Dr Porter-O'Grady, characteristics of entrepreneurs include the ability to be alone, work alone, make decisions alone, and manage their time alone. (2) Entrepreneurs must have a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to their work. (2) INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, Successful interpersonal relationships rely on excellent communication skills. Listening is the key to communication; however, the most valuable skill is the ability to manage conflict. Expertise ha compromise, collaboration, and accommodation is needed for conflict resolution. (10)

Interpersonal skills also include the ability to market oneself via personal introduction, attire, and telephone skills. These basics create an image verbally and visually. A slogan and an identity package that includes a logo for business cards and correspondence add to and confirm a positive image. (11)

Memberships in professional organizations provide an opportunity to network with peers, potential clients, and business colleagues in the community. Entrepreneurs cannot be successful in isolation. In business, there is a commitment to maintaining interpersonal relationships that are beneficial to all the individuals involved.