Intrapreneurial/entrepreneurial roles for nurses in long-term care. Seize the opportunity to be nontraditional

An increasing elderly population with multiple chronic diseases in need of sophisticated nursing care suggests that long-term care needs will continue to escalate. Recent political changes affecting the industry have led to explication of quality care issues and needs of long-term care consumers. Creative, innovative nurses need to seize the opportunity to influence patient care and the long-term care industry positively and cost-consciously. Intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial nursing are nontraditional nursing roles for self-directed, highly motivated nurses. Opportunities exist for gerontological nurses to design, direct, implement, and provide quality patient care; to serve as primary care providers or consultants; and to own and control a nursing practice.