Capital budgeting is a decision-making process used to evaluate long-term investments and determine whether they are financially worthwhile (Waxman, 2021a). One key tool in this process is the Net Present Value (NPV) method, which compares the initial investment cost to the present value of expected future cash inflows. A positive NPV suggests the project is likely to yield a return and is worth pursuing (Waxman, 2021b).
A simple real-world example is buying and renovating a home. For instance, if a home is purchased for $300,000 and renovated for $50,000, the total investment is $350,000. If the home is sold one year later for $390,000 and a 7% discount rate is used, the NPV is calculated as follows: $390,000 ÷ (1 + 0.07)^1 – $350,000 = $14,485. This positive NPV suggests a worthwhile investment.
In nursing education, a comparable investment is the implementation of simulation centers. Their use expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as a substitute for limited clinical placements (McBride & Tietze, 2023). Although simulation programs require substantial capital, often for high-fidelity equipment, faculty training, and maintenance, they offer long-term returns through reduced medical errors, improved patient safety, and enhanced clinical readiness (Senvisky et al., 2023). As a future DNP and aspiring educator, understanding how to evaluate these investments using tools like NPV supports fiscally responsible decisions that align with both academic priorities and the evolving goals of nursing education.
References
McBride, S., & Tietze, M. (2023). Nursing informatics for the advanced practice nurse: patient
safety, quality, outcomes, and interprofessionalism. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Senvisky, J. M., McKenna, R. T., & Okuda, Y. (2023, March 6). Financing And Funding A
Simulation Center. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568786/?report=printable
Waxman, K. T. (2022a). Chapter 7: Strategic planning and capital budgeting. In Financial and
business management for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Waxman, K. T. (2022b). Chapter 8: Financial analysis and the DNP: Understanding business
performance in health care. In Financial and business management for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.