Entrepreneurship in stoma care nursing: difficulties experienced and strategies for overcoming them

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the difficulties experienced by stoma therapy nurses in carrying out entrepreneurial activities in the specialty and to discuss strategies for overcoming them. Methods: a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study, conducted with 26 entrepreneurial stoma therapists, recruited through the snowball technique. The information was analyzed using content analysis. Results: difficulties included low professional appreciation and recognition, lack of awareness of the specialty among other healthcare professionals, and limited familiarity with the legal and administrative processes for starting a business. Financial issues and the content gap in training also proved to be significant challenges. The strategies included exchange of experiences among professionals, expansion of the content offered on the topic, and broadening professionals’ perspective on entrepreneurship possibilities. Final Considerations: it is urgent to implement strategies to overcome the barriers to entrepreneurship in stoma therapy. Such a measure can increase the possibility of professional success, visibility, and appreciation of nursing.