Nurse entrepreneurs' ethical concerns: A qualitative inquiry of the pursuit of opportunity

Abstract

Aim This study explores how nurse entrepreneurs' ethical concerns influence their pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities.

Background Nurse entrepreneurs break norms to challenge the status quo in health care, and entrepreneurship in health care is associated with dubious morals. Thus, nurse entrepreneurs have struggled to gain support and acceptance for their work.

Method This qualitative study relies on in-depth, narrative interviews with 11 nurse entrepreneurs developing nine different ventures. The interviews are analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, leaning on the ethics of care theory.

Results The analysis reveals two stages of ethical concerns: (1) ethical concerns leading to an entrepreneurial opportunity and (2) ethical concerns while engaged in an opportunity formation.

Conclusion This study shows that nurse entrepreneurs respond to health care issues in line with ethics of care and the ICN Code of Ethics. Nurse entrepreneurs are particularly concerned with doing no harm when developing their ideas and this fear could potentially deter nurses from acting entrepreneurially. ‘The mantra of caring ethics’ is a more suitable ethical guideline for (future) nurse entrepreneurs.

Implications for Nursing Management This study has implications for the moral image of nurse entrepreneurs. This is important for nursing managers, as several of them are nurse entrepreneurs themselves or employ and lead nurses who wish to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities to improve health care.