Free-lance nursing in Italy

In 1987 Registered Nurses Ernesta 'Tina' Galli and Joanne Lindsay embarked on a unique venture--a private agency* organized and run by nurses that engages free-lance nurses to fill the need for nursing assistance both at home and in public and private institutions. The response has been overwhelming. Today they have branches throughout Italy and have expanded their services to include research and primary health care. Below, their story.

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.