| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the importance and relevance of an entrepreneurial focus in an academic setting | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explain how an entrepreneurial approach to academic nursing leadership can positively influence learning and leadership development for students and faculty |
A substantial percentage of baccalaureate nurses prepared nationwide are educated in small liberal arts colleges. Yet, because of enrollment declines from 1998 through 2003 and the notion that that the nursing major is more expensive than other traditional liberal arts majors, liberal arts institutions have a history of undervaluing nursing programs. However, the national nursing enrollment boom has caused forward-thinking university administrators to look with increasing interest at academic nursing as a significant revenue stream.
Academic nursing administrators can benefit from embracing entrepreneurship, defined as the discipline of value creation. Innovation, responsible risk-taking, and being responsive to the market are entrepreneurial concepts inherent in contemporary healthcare. These concepts can easily be transferred to academic settings. Further, the the primary skills needed to achieve effective entrepreneurship--critical thinking, strong communication skills and life-long learning--also form the cornerstone of strong liberal arts education. Academic nursing administrators must be entrepreneurial in developing programs that create value for both the students and the institution, while being sensitive to their institution's culture. A case study approach will be used to illustrate the use of entrepreneurship within an academic setting that still retains a strong respect for the value of higher education.