HOw To Start YOur Own Business

I can't really speak with any authority on this from the IC route, although I've established my own business, because I haven't gotten any contracts yet. I've pursued one that didn't pan out, and intend to follow up on some leads in the next week or so.

However, speaking from the perspective of an ex-floor RN that switched to Float Pool/Per Diem and is making 25% more than I could as a regular floor RN -- yeah, the hassle and expense of getting your own insurance is worth it.

What you have to take into consideration are the benefits that your employer provides, which may not be as phenomenal as you think they are. Mine actually *is* pretty good, but the ones that I use (health insurance, dental insurance, disability) are the only ones that concern me -- I can eventually contribute to a retirement investment plan (I didn't use my employers, either, I have to pay higher interest bills first) and I have no interest in employer-paid education at this point. As an IC, you can deduct *totally* (as opposed to percentages) the cost of your health insurance and disability, and your CEUs -- including any travel that you may have to do to obtain them.

You have to be prepared to purchase the health insurance coverage that you actually use, in order to get the best deal. Do you really need a plan that will pay for unlimited MD visits, with no deductable, and unlimited Rx meds with $5 copay? If you don't, you can easily save $200 month with a plan that will probably cover what you actually use and will cover hospitalization that you might need.

It isn't hard to do, either. You call an insurance agent that advertises that they handle health plans, or you can contact Blue Cross, Kaiser, Healthnet, etc -- probably by doing a web search right now you can get an idea of what it costs.

I am in the beginning stages of starting my own business. I do have a website and have sent numerous pamphlets out in the mail. My problem is that I moved here four years ago and have mainly worked in hospitals and education. Where I lived before, I was a known troubleshooter for LTC facilities but my name is not known here. I have worked as a RN supervisor and CNA instructor in this area as well but just PRN and part time.

In checking out how to get my website into search engines, it is costly. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I am now a professor and plan to offer some inservices to the community to get my name out....

Thank you in advance,
Barbara

To: CMyst
Very well done. You are an inspiration and I wish you much success. Just hang in there and you will have more contracts than you know what to do. You just need to educate prospective clients about your services and get your name out there.
It can take a while until things start taking on a life of their own, so don't get discouraged. It usually takes a good two years when starting out to get busy.
Looks like you are doing all of the right stuff.
Good job

Wow, thanks TouchRN!

I have to give my significant other (at my age, "boyfriend" sounds so hilarious) the credit with help with business. Well, at least 70% of the credit. Thanks for the encouragement!

I would like to know more about this business.
Thanks.

Wow...my business has been supporting me for 5 years now! I guess I can consider it a success. I'm still working as much as I want, but as I'm aging...one or 2 shifts a week is all I want, and it still pays my bills

Washington State RN, where do you live? I would also like to work as an IC, but the hospitals here are not interested. PM me, when you have a chance. Thanks!

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN
Spokane, Washington