The Business of CPR Training

What is your company name?

Reliant Health Career Center

What problem does your company solve?

There are more than 300,000 victims in the U.S. that experience a sudden cardiac arrest annually and less than half of those survive due to not receiving CPR in a timely manner. Reliant Health Career Center is a healthcare training center focused on training individuals how to increase the survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest victims through CPR skills.

When did you first see this problem as one that needed to be solved?

Through working in the nursing field and seeing first-hand the damage of patients coming in to the hospital that did not survive or suffering the irreversible damages from not receiving CPR in time.

Did the problem ever seem like it was bigger than you?

This problem is definitely a big problem that one individual cannot solve alone. Through training others to learn to save lives, the process to decrease the problem begins.

What makes YOU stand out from others who may solve similar problems?

Reliant Health Career trains individuals in CPR skills as well as offers coaching/consulting to individuals who are instructors desiring to start their CPR business. The mission is to decrease the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest by training and encouraging other instructors to grow in assisting with this mission.
 

What, if any, concerns are there related to nurses NOT knowing about non-traditional roles?

Nursing is such a vast career of opportunities that individuals can tap into. Not everyone is suited to work in the traditional role or clinical setting. Nurses are unique and talented. It is important to find your niche in order to be productive and fulfilled with your career choice. Not knowing these options can lead to burnout and poor care for the people you serve.

Some say, "It's not what you know, it's about who you know." In terms of developing business relationships, do you agree with that statement? Please explain your rationale.

I believe that both statements are true to an extent. The world of business relies a lot on relationships and networking. It is also important to have the knowledge to do business whether it is obtained through additional certifications or investing in coaching/mentorship.

Tell us about your transition. What was the process of moving away from the clinical role into a business role? What mindset shifts, if any, did you need to make?

Working in a clinical role of nursing over 15 years became very stressful. I had many challenges that happened from ending a bad marriage, trying to further my nursing degree and being a single mother. I wanted to have freedom to spend time with my kids and also financial freedom. I wanted to start a business and was fearful for several years. Once I started, the fearful mindset  shifted to not having enough confidence to really see myself as a true entrepreneur making money. I began to do research and joined a lot of social media groups geared toward business and decided to invest in coaching. The investment was worth it, and I have a totally different mindset about my business and I'm now coaching others.

What has been the hardest thing in starting in your specific type of business or job role?

The hardest thing has been at first finding ways to market.

What has been the most rewarding thing about being in your business or job role?

The most rewarding is the impact on helping save lives and the financial/time freedom.

What would you say are the five important resources (books, conferences associations) for a nurse who wants explore business?

I would say nurse associations that are geared toward your niche, books by Les Brown, nurse entrepreneur groups, professional nurse conferences.

Let's talk legal stuff. Many nurses are afraid of this part of business. How did you address this concern in your business? What worked for you?

With any business, whether healthcare or not, there are legal risks. I did my research and put in place the insurances necessary to protect from such liabilities as well as conducting business in an ethical and safe manner.

Who supported you during this transition? Did you have paid mentorship or coaching? If so, what made you make that investment in paid support?

Yes, I made the decision to invest in coaching. It was important for me because I was able to get the help I needed from a coach who had the experience of where I was to help push me in the right direction.
 

What would you like others to know about what you do?

Charlotte Trayvick is an RN with a BSN degree from University of Alabama Huntsville. Her experience in nursing, spanning over 15 year,s has now landed her in the nurse entrepreneurial world. She is the CEO and owner of Reliant Health Career Center where she is a Premier CPR instructor training in BLS, ACLS and first aid. Along with training she also is a CPR business strategist, coaching startup CPR businesses as well as mentoring CPR established businesses grow and earn multiple streams of income.
 

Is there anything else you would like readers to know?

Taking action toward starting your business one step at a time is important at the beginning.

Charlotte Trayvick

Website + Social Media Handles :

www.relianthealthcareer.com

Facebook:Reliant Healthcareer Instagram:

Reliant Health Career Center

Marketing is an ongoing component to the livelihood of any business. Conversation in marketing terms should vary according to your target audience through researching what works best.

The Business of Nurse Coaching

What is your company name?

Blue Monarch Health

What problem does your company solve?

We listen deeply and then partner with you to create a personalized wellness plan.

When did you first see this problem as one that needed to be solved?

I was a critical care nurse for almost 20 years, I finally realized that my patients had no idea why they were ill, how they got so sick, how they could have prevented their illness and they lacked the passion and skill to own their personal health. I also finally realized that our healthcare system was not designed to help empower patients to be partners in their health and the prevention of disease. I say, ‘finally realized’ because I had been working in this environment for years and had accepted it! It was like one day I woke up and I knew I needed to do my part to affect those in my circle of influence. It was here when I began Blue Monarch Health, a Nurse Coaching business to partner with the many people who want to step up and be active in the prevention of disease.

Did the problem ever seem like it was bigger than you?

The healthcare system became so task and business driven, that the human component was left to fend for itself with the little time healthcare providers had left after tasking and doing "business-things." This type of environment does not thrive; instead, it starves and it becomes desperate. To get the job done, we stopped truly listening to the unique needs of each individual and instead took a one-size-fits-all approach to providing care and treatments. The one-size-fits-everyone approach cannot work in healthcare, because NO ONE is the same. I realized that even though the healthcare system was practicing like that- it didn’t mean I had to continue doing it too.

What makes YOU stand out from others who may solve similar problems?

I listen deeply to a client’s story and then partner with them to co-create their wellness action plan. I don’t tell clients what to do, I help them uncover their own, innate wisdom and then partner with them to create a personalized plan they can commit to. I also have fun, laugh a lot and absolutely enjoy my work!

What, if any, concerns are there related to nurses NOT knowing about non-traditional roles?

Nurses who don’t know about non-traditional roles may stay in their traditional role even if it is literally killing them from a stress and burn-out perspective. They struggle with these ill-consequences and in the end, their colleagues, the system and their patients suffer. 

Nurses are powerful leaders with a wealth of varied experiences. Give us a scenario and we will find the best solution, with the least amount of resources and keep everyone alive!  Seriously, nurses are knowledgeable about people- they innately know how people tick. Nurses use their intuition to make decisions and can make them looking at all sides in a relatively short amount of time. Without nurses, the business world would not find these skills in one person.

Some say, "It's not what you know, it's about who you know." In terms of developing business relationships, do you agree with that statement? Please explain your rationale.

I am a firm believer in Theodore Roosevelt’s quote: “People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.”  There is some truth in, "it’s not what you know, it’s about who you know," but if those I know don’t really care about people or the work they do, then it doesn’t matter. I strive to connect and associate myself with businesses who share similar values and who show up in the world willing to make a difference by dedicating themselves to the service of others. I have declined developing business relationships with those that do not share my values, even though it meant losing a contract, or connection. 

Tell us about your transition. What was the process of moving away from the clinical role into a business role? What mindset shifts, if any, did you need to make?

I was ready to move on, but I stayed in a full-time role while I tried to figure out how to run a business. I mean, there was a ton to learn-I don’t recall a single business class in nursing school. I learned to make time even when I didn’t have it. That was challenging. Family, life, work and business- you have to find a way to put it all together and that will be different for each person. I began working on the things I liked first, the things that brought me most joy and then moved on to the things that scared me. I took it a day at a time, until I could finally quit the bedside completely.  

What has been the hardest thing in starting in your specific type of business or job role?

I’m an introvert, so it can be VERY difficult for me to begin a conversation at events and parties. I mean, I could sit in silence all night if someone else wanted to! To overcome this, I made a list of some easy questions I could use to get someone else to talk about themselves- taking the pressure off of me. Most people are very happy to talk about themselves- which makes my job easy! 

What has been the most rewarding thing about being in your business or job role?

Seeing others find their personal vision of health and discovering that they have such power over their lives.

What would you say are the five important resources (books, conferences associations) for a nurse who wants explore business?

Strengths Finder:  When we know what we are naturally good at, we can use that to our advantage!
Small Business Association and SCORE mentors
Principles:  Ray Dalio
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up:  Marie Kondo
Facebook Groups:  key words Nurse, Business, Entrepreneur etc.
 

Let's talk legal stuff. Many nurses are afraid of this part of business. How did you address this concern in your business? What worked for you?

I found a good legal consultant and ask questions all the time. I document well!!! I got liability insurance. Practice within my scope! 

Who supported you during this transition? Did you have paid mentorship or coaching? If so, what made you make that investment in paid support?

At first, I began using free tools from the Small Business Association and working with a free SCORE mentor. I attended many paid and free workshops and gleaned lots of implementable information there- I paid in time. I talked to many people who shared their wisdom, inspiration and best practices. I have a supportive husband by my side as well.  

What would you like others to know about what you do?

I LOVE people! I enjoy challenge and putting the pieces of a person's story together.  

Is there anything else you would like readers to know?

I am so excited that I was just approved as a 501(c)(3)! My newest organization is called Brave Mind Living. Our mission to share lifestyle strategies that prevent brain disease. We find hope in the prevention of this horrible, life- and love-taking disease by learning about, implementing and enhancing lifestyle strategies we will use every day!

Brave Mind Living focuses on the lifestyle strategies of: nourishment, movement, better sleep , stress reduction and socialization. These are the cornerstones of preventing Alzheimer's Disease and dementia and we want everyone to learn about them and DO THEM so AD and dementia are diseases of the past. And when we do use them- we feel alive, energetic, strong, present and purposeful! 

https://www.bravemindliving.org/

Nicole Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC

Website + Social Media Handles :

https://bluemonarchhealth.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueMonarchHealth/

Twitter: NicoleRNCoach

The Business of Senior Care Consulting with Nurse Dina

What is your company name?

Alterra Consulting

What problem does your company solve?

We help aspiring and established business owners start and enhance their elder care businesses.

When did you first see this problem as one that needed to be solved?

In 2009. There are two different people that desire to start a business in senior care. The first type are those who have been in healthcare and are confident in their skill set of providing care but they are not proficient in general business and being an entrepreneur. The second group includes those who have smart business acumen but are novices in the healthcare industry.

Did the problem ever seem like it was bigger than you?

Not really. I was able to determine what the immediate needs were to bridge the gap.

What makes YOU stand out from others who may solve similar problems?

I held the experience and passion for both business and elder care. I worked in a variety of leadership roles that allowed me to learn elder care in a very detailed manner. I also owned and operated my own elder care company.

What, if any, concerns are there related to nurses NOT knowing about non-traditional roles?

For healthcare providers, transitioning from exclusively being the provider of care to an entrepreneur can be very challenging. There is a mindset shift that must occur and it does not happen immediately. As a nurse myself, I went through various shifts in mindset throughout my career but the biggest transition was going from nurse to entrepreneur. I suggest placing yourself in the presence of individuals who are already where you desire to be, educate yourself and seek mentors.

Some say, "It's not what you know, it's about who you know." In terms of developing business relationships, do you agree with that statement? Please explain your rationale.

I absolutely agree with this statement. Having a network of influence allows you greater learning capabilities and when you are visibly networking with individuals of influence, it provides you and your organization greater credibility. You want to use proper business etiquette and not abuse the relationship, though.

Tell us about your transition. What was the process of moving away from the clinical role into a business role? What mindset shifts, if any, did you need to make?

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur exclusively, I was working as a Director of Wellness at a senior living community so my entire responsibilities involved care. Prior to that, I worked as an Executive Director which allowed me to work in operations but I still had a significant focus on care. The biggest mindset shift was understanding that everything started and ended with me. I also had to acknowledge that as an entrepreneur, there are times you have to make a difficult decision, you have to manage your emotions and think logically for the greater benefit of the business. At times that was very difficult. For example, if you have a senior client who is not paying their bill and there is no plan to remedy the situation, you have to make a decision. The emotion and the "nurse" inside wants to allow them to continue receiving care because it is what they need, but that is not the best long-term business decision. Those were very hard decisions for me to make but I had to.

What has been the hardest thing in starting in your specific type of business or job role?

Learning who the exact client is and acknowledging that not everyone will be your client and that's OK.

What has been the most rewarding thing about being in your business or job role?

Seeing people attain their goals in entrepreneurship, mentoring and growing leaders. Those are amazing rewards.

What would you say are the five important resources (books, conferences associations) for a nurse who wants explore business?

"Leaders are readers" so explore the variety of reading resources available, utilize SCORE (it is free or at least of minimal cost), network with your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration and other industry-specific organizations, seek a consultant in areas that you discover are your weakness, keep yourself in a group of like-minded individuals that will keep you encouraged and provide a variety of other resources that you might not have immediate access to.

Let's talk legal stuff. Many nurses are afraid of this part of business. How did you address this concern in your business? What worked for you?

The best way to avoid "legal stuff" is to make sure you perform within your designated scope of practice if you find yourself engaging in business that is clinical. Also, secure your business; do not be so frugal that you exempt your business from proper insurances such as professional liability insurance, worker's compensation if you have staff. Incorporate your business correctly, consult the proper legal support, i.e. CPA, small business attorney. There are many ways to safeguard yourself; do not allow ignorance of your options grow fear and postpone your plans to go into business.

Who supported you during this transition? Did you have paid mentorship or coaching? If so, what made you make that investment in paid support?

When I was starting my business I did not use a paid coach but I did utilize the many tools provided by our local SCORE organization.

What would you like others to know about what you do?

I am a lover of all things senior care and entrepreneurship. I love mentoring individuals that earnestly desire to make an impact in their industry. I am a married to a wonderful and supportive man and we have 4 amazing children that add such flavor to our lives. This year I will be rolling out a non-profit organization geared towards women in entrepreneurship; we are a small group now but very excited about future growth. The group is called SPARK Women In Entrepreneurship.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know?

Never allow fear to stop you from reaching your dreams.

Dina Shepherd 

Website

www.alterraconsult.com

#NPsLead with Dr. Irene Bean Nurse Practitioner

As someone who LOVES nurses and business, my sweet spot is nurses who want to grow their practice. While in a related Facebook group, I noticed Dr. Irene Bean and reached out for a quick chat. 

Dr. Bean is an American Association of Nurse Practitioner Fellow, Duke Johnson & Johnson Leadership Program Fellow, Founder of Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association and CEO of Serenity Health Care, PC & Weight Loss Clinic. Our interview is below:

Please give us an overview of your nursing career

I'm a family nurse practitioner with 15 years experience. Prior to that, I was a registered nurse for 7 years. I now own a family practice in Madison, Tennessee and I'm also the founder for the Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association.

What I do is advocate for patients, as well as nurse practitioners. My goal is to advocate for patients and to be aware of changes which may affect them. It’s extremely important for a practice or the leader of a practice to understand changes which are evolving for business owners and their medical facilities.

Recently I read an article from ModernHealthcare.com related to MACRA changes. It mentioned that nurses may not be as aware of certain changes as compared with physicians. The article can be found here.

What are your thoughts on the comment that nurse practitioners may not be as aware as physicians about changes that impact their practice? 

Personally, I despise that comment. I think practitioners are extremely aware of what’s going on around them. I have a problem with generalizing practitioners, because when you are a nurse practitioner or an owner of a practice, it is your obligation to understand all of the information that revolves around CMS, especially when accepting insurances.

If you are not aware of regulations that affect you as a provider, or unaware of your revenue, then your goals will not be as ambitious. Not all nurse practitioners are aware of changes and challenges, possibly because they are not included in decision making in some of the practices. For example, those who are employed by larger practices are provided limited information. However, it remains their responsibility to stay abreast of regulations that affect them as a provider.

There are companies which require practitioners to service 30-40 patients per day. CMS guidelines may not directly impact these practitioners because they are employed by larger companies. Many large companies do not disseminate much of the changes to the employees because they may feel that the information does not pertain to the staff. However, when employed by these companies, nurse practitioners are not “invited to the table.” They are usually the last to know, unless they are determined and independently research the changes.   

What do you think about the access we have to information now versus 4 or 5 years from now?

Information is readily available and accessible today, more so than 4 or 5 years ago. We have access to the internet, social media, and professional journals which may be as close as your smartphones. The informational highway is much more accessible and you do not have to leave home. But, if the provider is unwilling to research evidence-based practices, then, he/she is doing themselves and their patients a disservice.

There are so many avenues of information that are available for anyone. Google is every man’s best friend and can be for patients, too. Everyone googles everything. So if there's anything that you are concerned with or any information you feel you need to be a great provider, then the information is available for you. I agree that there are various ways to pursue information that is vital for your practice.

What are your top three sources of information that you look at every day or week to stay up to date?

My personal choice of information to review on a daily basis is the CMS website. This site identifies information pertaining to insurers, guidelines for billing and coding, MIPS, and chart audits. CMS has great resources.

The second source is the state Medicaid site. The state Medicaid reinforces what is on the CMS website; in addition to focusing on federal guidelines, there are areas that pertain only to Tennessee. The information is readily available for all who seek assistance from the state plan.

Another resource is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield site. BCBS has a large visibility in the state of TN. Many of their regulations mimic those of CMS and the TN Medicaid Program.  

The billing component of a practice is extremely important. Each of the resources listed gives a synopsis of what and how you should code. Each provides details about when it is appropriate to use the CPT codes 99211-99215.  

There are companies getting into healthcare that connect the piece between patient’s information at home with a clinical team to make decisions. What are your thoughts on payments for such solutions that would help the nurse practitioner in care coordination and where are payments for those solutions coming from now?

Home health care, concierge services, and telehealth are growing in the healthcare industry. These services allow healthcare professionals to reach patients who are in rural areas and cannot access quality health care. This is an advantage for both the patient and provider. The delivery of this type of care engages the provider with a community that may otherwise not receive healthcare. It is great that most insurances are reimbursing providers who offer this service for patients.  

For the past few years, the insurance companies are offering annual exams at the homes of the patients. These exams allow continuity of care for the patients who are noncompliant with medications and office visits, preventive services, and vaccinations.

The concierge services are widespread. These services will provide services wherever a patient prefers. The patient is responsible for the payments for these services.  

Do you see insurance companies paying for these monitoring system solutions or do you know practice owners who are paying directly?

Dr. Irene Bean, DNP, APRN, CME, FAANP, Duke Johnson andJohnson Fellow

No, I do not anticipate insurance companies paying for the monitoring systems, unless there is an available grant. There are companies that are providing applications (Apps) on smartphones and HIPAA-ready video connections. Larger telehealth companies are utilizing monitors and wireless devices to access patients in various communities.   

Tell us a little bit about your upcoming events.

The Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association will host our 3rd Annual Statewide Conference on March 27-30, 2018 at the Omni Hotel, Nashville, TN. The keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald. She is an author, entrepreneur, and has been instrumental for thousands of RNs and APRNs who have taken and passed their boards with her certification examinations and practice preparation. Also, Wendy Wright, who is a national speaker and has also prepared APRNs for certification, will be our guest speaker. Dr. Penny Jensen, DNP, advocated full scope of practice within the Veterans Administration. She is the former President for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and continues to advocate on behalf of 243,000 APRNs. Dr. Dawn Vanderhoef, Director of Psychiatric Mental Health for Nurse Practitioners at Vanderbilt will provide a session on mental health; Dr. Tearsanee Davis, from Mississippi, will provide a session for telehealth;  Barbara Phillips will host a live workshop on how to “Start, Operate, and Grow Your Own Practice;” and a host of other guest lecturers will present.

If you’d like to attend the conference, please register at www.tnnpa.com. Students are also encouraged to attend for a great discount.

The Business of Product Design

Design Your Ideal Solution! 

Our guest on today’s podcast episode is Sarah Mott, founder of Nurse Born Products and inventor of the Koala-Qlip stethoscope holder. After carrying her stethoscope around her neck contributed to her neck pain and headaches, Sarah decided to look for a clip that would attach to her scrubs and carry her stethoscope. Through her research, she found that no such product was on the market, so she decided to pursue inventing one herself.  

Sarah has worked with many resourceful and innovative nurses, and she even carries some of their products on her website. Her advice to anyone looking to manufacture their invention is to first find a patent attorney to guide you through the process of creating a prototype, commissioning drawings of your product, and drafting non-disclosure agreements to be signed by anyone you deal with during the patenting process. Second, commit some time to touring manufacturing facilities to learn the “manufacturing lingo” and the ins and outs of the manufacturing process so that you are well-educated when it comes time to choose and sign a contract with a manufacturer.

To learn more about Nurse Born Products, follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@nurseborn), and Instagram (@nursebornproducts), and join Sarah’s Facebook group “Nurse’s Club for Business” to network with other nurses involved in business endeavors.