Competencies for business entrepreneurship in nursing, in the light of Le Boterf’s concept

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the perceptions of nurse entrepreneurs about the competencies needed to undertake nursing considering Le Boterf’s concept. Method: A qualitative study was conducted with 20 nurse entrepreneurs who had worked for at least 42 months in various regions of Brazil. Data was collected between July 23 and October 30, 2021. Bardin’s content analysis was used with the aid of iRaMuTeq software. Reinert’s method generated a Descending Hierarchical Classification Dendrogram and Textual Statistics. Results: There are two main categories: technical and behavioral. Technical skills include technical knowledge, accounting, marketing, administration, ethical understanding, management, and leadership. Behavioral competencies include communication, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, persistence, willpower, responsibility, and obstinacy. Conclusion: Knowing nurses’ perceptions strengthens entrepreneurial practice in nursing and expands entrepreneurship in training and the workplace.