Exploring Perspectives of Legal Nurse Consultants As
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EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES OF LEGAL NURSE CONSULTANTS AS ENTREPRENEURS: A CASE STUDY by Evelyn Houston Bell Copyright 2019 A Dissertation in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing University of Phoenix ABSTRACT Entrepreneurial opportunities exist in the nursing profession for nurses who are seen as innovative, forward thinkers, and have a desire to work independently. Entrepreneurship as a legal nurse consultant is a career choice that allows for that independence while supporting the legal community. Legal nurse consultants use training and clinical experience to provide expert opinions related to practice standards of care and damages. In this exploratory qualitative case study, the researcher explored the perceptions of legal nurse consultants regarding the journey to become entrepreneurs. The problem that was the focus of this study was absence of sufficient and applicable research identifying the process for legal nurse consultant entrepreneurs developing a successful independent practice. In this qualitative exploratory case study, Albert Bandura’s theory of self- efficacy was the guiding framework, which helped to clarify the capabilities required for success in entrepreneurial business endeavors. Data were obtained from interviews conducted through the use of SKYPE™ with 8 entrepreneurial legal nurse consultants. The analysis of data included the use of pattern-matching technique and coding of data for evaluation, organizing, and data analysis. Confidence related to performance capabilities and a determination to be successful were the prominent themes, which emerged during data analysis. The data from the results revealed that a level of confidence and determination is necessary during the legal nurse consultant entrepreneurship journey. The study fills a literature gap identifying the pathway for legal nurse consultant entrepreneurs. iii DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my husband, Carlton, who was compelled to listen when I just needed an ear. You listened to me even when you were certain I had transformed into someone other than your wife. Carlton, you tried to be patient through all the missed special moments and family gatherings. I am so grateful for all the special breakfasts in bed after my all-nighters, and the many times you made sure I stayed hydrated. Carlton, you have been with me through this entire process, and I have so much love and gratitude for sticking with me through this journey. Thank you to my daughter Nicole who kept me going with her constant support and “evil” eye to ensure that giving up was not an option. I also dedicate this dissertation to my grand daughter Chaise, who was so aware of my need for quiet time. You always asked, “Are you doing schoolwork, or work-work”? Loving memories of my parents, Freddie and Rebecca Houston, and my brother Jeffrey who have been a never-ending source of strength during my journey. Family, I love you all. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank the participants who were so gracious and willing to support me. I am grateful to my colleagues, sorority sisters, and forever friends that walked with me during this journey, especially Venetra. Dr. Anne Brett (aka Dr. Anne), there are no words to adequately describe your presence during this journey. Thank you so much for your unwavering, awesome, and intentional support and guidance. You were so committed to being present with your undying encouragement. To my committee, Dr. Cydney Mullen and Dr. Samson Omotoso, thank you so much for your willingness to provide support and valuable feedback. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents ............................................................................................................................. Page List of Tables ................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1: Introduction of the Problem ............................................................................ 1 Background ........................................................................................................... 2 Statement of the Problem ......................................................................................... 4 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................. 5 Significance of the Study .......................................................................................... 6 Nature and Scope of Study ....................................................................................... 9 Research Question .................................................................................................. 10 Theoretical Framework .......................................................................................... 10 Conceptual Terms ................................................................................................... 13 Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 14 Limitations .............................................................................................................. 14 Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 15 Summary ................................................................................................................. 15 Chapter 2: Review of Literature .......................................................................................... 16 Literature Review and Title Searches .................................................................... 16 Historical Content ................................................................................................... 17 Nurse Entrepreneur ................................................................................................. 19 Legal Nurse Consultant .......................................................................................... 22 Concept of Success ................................................................................................. 24 vi Concept of Leadership ............................................................................................ 28 Role Expectation ..................................................................................................... 29 Entrepreneurship and Global Impact ..................................................................... 35 Determining Barriers .............................................................................................. 37 Self-Efficacy Theory .............................................................................................. 41 Literature Gap ......................................................................................................... 44 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 45 Summary ................................................................................................................. 46 Chapter 3: Method ............................................................................................................... 47 Research Method ................................................................................................... 47 Research Design ..................................................................................................... 49 Research Question .................................................................................................. 51 Population ............................................................................................................... 52 Sample ..................................................................................................................... 52 Ethical and Legal Considerations ........................................................................... 55 Data Collection Procedure ...................................................................................... 58 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 66 Summary ................................................................................................................. 71 Chapter 4: Results ................................................................................................................ 72 Summary ................................................................................................................. 99 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................... 101 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 122 vii Summary .............................................................................................................. 124 References ........................................................................................................................ 126 Appendix A: Interview Guide ......................................................................................... 144 Appendix B: Solicitation Letter ...................................................................................... 146 Appendix C: Informed Consent .....................................................................................