March 08, 2023

By Audra Hanners

“I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.” ~Florence Nightingale

As a nurse and “nursepreneur,” I have come to learn the value of applying a business mindset in nursing practice.

Early on, I learned that my passion alone to help people was not enough; it took business acumen to truly start helping change the lives of people. By this, I mean no amount of storytelling could reach the ears of stakeholders who have a “bottom line” screaming at them every day to achieve. To clear those barriers, my mindset and my approach had to shift.

Because of my experience as an entrepreneur, I learned that when I take a business approach and lead with the value of my solution for an organization, I am more likely to receive the support needed to fulfill my passion of helping others. For example, as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student, I obtained international and foundation grant funding to support the development of my community-based health coaching program for African American women, Keto Prescribed+.

That first success begot more opportunities for impact. I have developed rich collaborations that have led to more funding, and I am proud to serve as a Co-Investigator on Dr. Jeff Volek’s (PI) $10 million Department of Defense grant called studying Strategies to Augment Ketosis (STAK). This work is focused on enhancing military readiness and disease reversal across the metabolic spectrum, from obesity/prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes and associated complications of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Mine is but one story of perseverance and seeking opportunities. There are many nursepreneurs who are doing incredible things, and more are needed desperately. I firmly believe nurses make the best entrepreneurs for three simple reasons:

  1. We are the most trusted profession in the world. In fact, U.S. News & World Report points out that nurses “have heal the top spot in the [Gallup] poll for more than two decades.” I think trust is the most valuable currency in business.
  2. We are passionate and build relationships based on people, not products or services. Nurses care about people to the point where, oftentimes, we do more for them than ourselves. People care more about what you have to offer when they understand that you care about them.
  3. We know the problem and how to fix it. Every day, our patients tell us what they don’t like or what could be better, or we recognize what is not working (the problem). Businesses spend millions of dollars to create a trusted brand or learn what the “market” wants, yet every day, by the nature of our profession, we are freely given this valuable information. Nurses are some of the very best innovators, and when given the freedom to innovate, they can do amazing things that help patients and organizations.

To truly see transformation in healthcare on a global scale, I think more nurses must start to see within themselves the “nursepreneur” leader who has unlimited potential. So the next time you are at work:

  • listen for a problem in an area you are passionate about;
  • research the costs of this problem;
  • start brainstorming a solution and thinking about how the skills you have now can be applied; and
  • connect with your network to identify those who can support you or are moving in the same direction you want to go.

Take the advice of Les Brown: “Don’t let anyone’s opinion of you become your reality.” Don’t place limits on yourself. You can transform the lives of others around you starting right where you are now.

Audra Hanners, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CKNS is an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing and a dually certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is the creator of Keto Prescribed+ program and of founder of Community Care Coaching, LLC.

 


 

Testimonials from participants in the Keto Prescribed+ program:

"Awesome program! I would not be where I am today without learning and support from this program. I would love to continue if the study turns into an actual program. Expanding to encompass the family would be extremely effective. Thank you Audra and team!"

"I actually enjoyed being a part of the program. I enjoyed having a base to come and talk to. That's the one part I wish would continue even if only bi-monthly and online. I have a terrible habit of losing sight of things where I am not required to check in. I'm going to do my best though. Thanks to all. Everyone was encouraging and insightful."

"I love the program and look forward to learning more and making it a lifestyle. I wished it was longer with a definite program to follow with the participants that was shared in "phases" such as Intro to Keto, Understanding macros, Meal planning and prepping, etc."

October 20, 2022

Fellowship focuses on fostering culture of innovation, enhancing well-being

The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Center for Healthcare Innovation and Leadership welcomed seven new fellows this month to its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship for the 2022-23 year.

The seven new fellows – who represent institutions from across the nation – join a year-long program that employs an integrative nurse coaching paradigm focused on coaching, education and training and a hands-on, experiential innovation project.

“We take a holistic approach to learning through this fellowship so that each of our fellows can thrive and maximize their potential,” said Taura Barr, PhD, RN, FAHA, clinical associate professor of practice at the College of Nursing who leads the fellowship. “This is not only about completing a project; this is about building skills, competencies and confidence to harness their entrepreneurial spirit, nourish their soul and create something that helps people.”

The fellowship has a three-tiered mission:

  1. Amplify a culture of innovation and enhance innovation competencies;
  2. Address burnout by providing fellows with tools and resources to sustain their careers; and
  3. Enhance and promote individual and community well-being to help fellows flourish.

The seven fellows for the 2022-23 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship are:

  • Bradley Chesham, MSc ALS, RN, founder/director, Bundle of Rays, Queensland, Australia
    • Project title: Learning in the metaverse
  • Miriam Espinoza, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, assistant clinical professor, Northern Arizona University College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing
    • Project title: Being trauma-informed in the classroom, hallways and beyond
  • Cristina Garinger, DNP, RN, CCRN, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
    • Project title: Mobile IV hydration in underserved communities
  • Lara Jaquemai, BSN, RN, CMSRN, OCN, Innovation and Research Council Co-chair and ASU/PACU Staff Nurse, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
    • Project title: Developing a nurse innovation education program
  • Michelle Litchman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FADCES, FAAN, assistant professor, University of Utah College of Nursing
    • Project title: Developing a diabetes website in American Sign Language
  • Uzo Nwankpa, DNP, MSN-PH, RN, instructor, Samuel Merritt University
    • Project title: Communal healing for healthcare workers
  • Oren Shtayermman PhD, MSW, BSW, LICSW, FHEA, professor of social work, Chamberlain University
    • Project title: A model of disciplinary inclusiveness in leadership role of health profession education

“I can’t wait for our new fellows to dive into their projects and discover how their work can impact peoples’ lives,” said Michael Ackerman, PhD, RN, FCCM, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, professor of clinical nursing and director of the Center for Healthcare Innovation and Leadership. “They bring fresh ideas, new thinking and an open mind to our program, and when they’re done, I’m convinced that their innovations will be nothing less than transformative.”

The seven new fellows join the inaugural class of nine College of Nursing fellows who began their work in late 2021.

January 12, 2021

Publication wins first place in Nursing Management and Leadership category

The book Evidence-Based Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Nursing and Healthcare, edited and organized by leaders at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, placed as the top publication in the Nursing Management and Leadership category of the American Journal of Nursing’s 2020 Book of the Year Awards.

Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN and Tim Raderstorf, DNP, RN edited the book from Springer Publishing Company and engaged a wide range of leaders and thought partners to collaborate and co-author chapters. According to the description, the book “provides a practical leadership approach for today’s healthcare environment. Rooted in AACN essentials for DNP and master’s education, this textbook focuses on best practice applications for healthcare and non-healthcare industries to improve outcomes in real-world settings. It provides innovative and evidence-based leadership strategies that build creative, high-functioning and sustainable organizations.”

Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, who serves as editor-in-chief for Nurse Leader, reviewed the category and chose Melnyk and Raderstorf’s book because “the authors made complex leadership and business topics accessible and interested by sharing leaders’ personal stories. This book provides actionable and practical strategies students can use to further their own development.” Sherman also called the personal narrative shared by Melnyk “one of the most authentic … I have ever read by a contemporary nursing leader. She does not sugarcoat the challenges of being a leader and an entrepreneur.”

“Dr. Sherman highlighted exactly why we chose to write and edit this book: to share real-world, evidence-based information and successful strategies that motivate and inspire people to bring their innovations and dreams to fruition,” said Melnyk, who serves as vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and College of Nursing dean at Ohio State. “Our goal with this publication is to help build that pipeline of exceptional, innovative healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs who are not afraid to dream, discover and deliver a healthier world.”

“Our book was written with the student in mind; we wanted to create a new genre of textbooks that read more like a great piece of nonfiction. We are thrilled that Dr. Sherman agrees that it ‘is sure to be a favorite among students,’” said Raderstorf, who serves as chief innovation officer for the College of Nursing. “We are so proud that this book is making a mark and so grateful to all of our collaborators who lent their personal stories and expertise to support future generations of healthcare leaders.”

June 27, 2018

On Sept. 13 and 14, 2018, the College of Nursing’s Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships will be hosting the fourth annual Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop. The event will take place at The Longaberger Alumni House at The Ohio State University, located at 2220 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio. All are welcome, and this event may be of special interest to Ohio State faculty and staff, College of Nursing alumni, the Wexner Medical Center staff, healthcare and business professionals and research and innovation peers. 

This two-day workshop will provide an overview of important business fundamentals and tips on how to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship principles into practice. Attendees will learn from experts on how to develop a business plan, start and manage a small business, pitch ideas, understand legal considerations for business ventures and more. There will also be a number of renowned speakers at the event, including College of Nursing Dean Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN. 

Registration for the event is now open. Fees paid in person before Sept. 1 are $325 and increase to $375 after Sept. 1. The price for past participants and Ohio State students is $125. Those with an osu.edu or osumc.edu email, or those who refer a colleague who registers at the full rate, will receive a $25 discount. The registration cost includes breakfast and lunch both days, parking fees, shuttle access from many local hotels and a happy-hour reception on the first day.

The deadline to register is Sept. 7, 2018. Send any questions to Tim Raderstorf, chief innovation officer, at raderstorf.3@osu.edu.