Is self-employment right for you?
Advantages for RNs
Being self-employed has definite advantages. Feel young and free again as you decide:
- why you work;
- who you work with;
- what you do;
- when you do it;
- where you work;
- how you do the work;
- how much you charge.
Assistance from NNBA members
Discover what other nurses are doing. Contact our members. Members' websites. Send them an email and introduce yourself.
Self-employment choices for RNs
The nursing care provided in the hospital is structured. A nurse must follow written hospital procedures that leave little room for creativity. Nurses by nature are creative. Consequently, many nurses are seeking alternatives to hospital work.
Nurses are looking for a new way to provide their nursing services. Self-employment is the destination of choice for many registered nurses. It provides them the gratification and satisfaction they are seeking while providing the income to maintain their lifestyle. Flexibility and the ability to customize their services are other key advantages to self-employment.
Today's nursing services
Nursing today does not necessarily mean providing physical care to the patient. It can mean:
- identification of problems, developing workable solutions, and coaching the patient and family;
- providing medical education to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals;
- designing customized care plans for patients to promote wellness;
- reviewing the care provided and developing new ways to ensure the patients well being and safety;
- providing an insider’s view on medical issues to legal professions.
Startup costs and legal structure
The startup cost for an RN consulting service is relatively low. You can use a home office and equipment (computer, printer, etc.) that you already have. As an RN, you are licensed to practice as a nurse; therefore, you are not required to start a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation.
Although it is not required, the NNBA recommends that you incorporate your business to protect your personal assets and take advantage of many tax deductions only available to small businesses.
Resources to get you started
Nurse Entrepreneurs: Tales of Nurses in Business. Discover what other nurses are doing. See book details and/or purchase.
Self-Employed RN: Choices, Business Aspects, and Marketing Strategies. Learn how to choose your career path and start your business. See book details and/or purchase
Business plan template (Word® document on CD). See details and/or purchase
Independent contractor's and consultant's contracts (Word® document on CD). See details and/or purchase
Email questions to Pat Bemis at bemis@nnba.net.
NurseAdvertsing.com provides nurses with logo, stationary, and website development.
Bringing Your Product to Market. Follow step-by-step instructions. Send an email to bemis@nnba.net. See the authors products by clicking on the animated graphic below.
Email questions to Pat Bemis at bemis@nnba.net.
NurseAdvertsing.com provides nurses with logo, stationary, and website development.
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