For the second year in a row, Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates has partnered with The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania to recognize an entrepreneurial nurse in Pennsylvania with the 2024 Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award. Guardian Nurses is again sponsoring the $5,000 prize to be given to the winner. 

To be considered for the Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award, applicants must be the founder of an existing business no greater than two years old, or in the midst of starting their own business. Eligible businesses include, but are not limited to, those developing and selling a home health product or medical device, or offering independent nursing services, such as patient care, nursing education, home health, and/or consulting services.

“It takes drive and determination to start your own business, and Guardian Nurses wants to encourage and support our fellow nurses in their entrepreneurial endeavors,” said Betty Long, the founder, president, and CEO of Guardian Nurses.

Long is currently president of the Board of Trustees for The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania. 

“Nurse entrepreneurs possess a unique and powerful mix of professional experience, passion, and education that can help their businesses succeed,” she said. “We hope the Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award will give a deserving nurse an encouraging boost in the early days of their healthcare venture while also encouraging other nurses to consider starting their own businesses in the future.”

Long launched Guardian Nurses in 2003 as a one-nurse patient advocacy organization. Twenty-one years later, her company employs 57 full-time employees and provides high-touch, in-person nurse advocacy services through the literal mobilization of nurses in branded vehicles. Guardian Nurses’ Mobile Care Coordinator program was recognized for innovation with an American Academy of Nursing Edge Runners Award.

To qualify for the Entrepreneurial Award, an applicant must have a valid Pennsylvania nursing license that is in good standing and own a company or organization based in, founded in, or have a significant presence in Pennsylvania. Award finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the selection committee. Learn more about the primary criteria and additional application details at The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania.

Learn more about Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates.