[swirth]

Is anyone self employed as a home care nurse? I currently work for an agency and have found that when the skilled need according to medicare is gone, this elderly population still could benefit from possibly monthly visits to manage meds, diet etc, but are no longer eligible for nursing. If anyone has taken this venture, please write back to let me know how to get started.....Hope to hear from somebody soon

[ebear]

Can you say "Liability?"
ebear

[James Huffman]

Originally Posted by swirth

Is anyone self employed as a home care nurse? I currently work for an agency and have found that when the skilled need according to medicare is gone, this elderly population still could benefit from possibly monthly visits to manage meds, diet etc, but are no longer eligible for nursing. If anyone has taken this venture, please write back to let me know how to get started.....Hope to hear from somebody soon

I've been self-employed in nursing (not in home care) since 1982. It is the greatest thing I've ever done in my career. I get up every morning looking forward to my work. My work challenges me, and has allowed me to grow.

There are always those who will point out risks and possible dangers up ahead. Are there risks? Of course there are. There are risks involved in getting out of bed in the morning. But there are ways to minimize risk, and those who dwell on risks end up not doing very much.

I can't help you with the specifics of the field and client population you'd like to work with. But I would strongly encourage you to investigate it, find a way to make it work, and if it seems at all worth it, to take the plunge. Don't let the naysayers keep you from your wonderful dreams!

[ebear]

James Huffman,
Not intending to sound like a "naysayer". The fact is, if a nurse is not under a type of umbrella with an agency, she/he is taking on a lot of substantial risk. Just made that comment to give the OP something to think about in that area. I am glad that you are happy with your business and wish you much continued success.
ebear

[James Huffman]

Originally Posted by ebear

James Huffman,
Not intending to sound like a "naysayer". The fact is, if a nurse is not under a type of umbrella with an agency, she/he is taking on a lot of substantial risk. Just made that comment to give the OP something to think about in that area. I am glad that you are happy with your business and wish you much continued success.
ebear

Everyone's "at risk." The question is how much risk we are willing to take, and if the risk is worth the possible outcome.

An "umbrella" (agency, hospital, whatever) is ultimately not a protection. Nurses need to know that the buck ultimately stops with them, but in a real sense it starts with them, too.

Failing to do what is important to us is ultimately a vastly greater risk than any possible dangers down the path.