Independent EMR Nurse Consultants?

I have been an independent consultant for 5 1/2 yrs, leaving bedside nursing as an LPN after 26 yrs. There are a few ways to go: 1) W-2-you are under contract with an IT staffing agency and receive a paycheck with taxes already deducted-no obligation with the firm once your contract is completed. Some offer contract consultant benefits-medical, dental, vision and 401K. 2) 1099-you essentially are self-employed. The wage is higher but you are responsible for paying all of your own taxes. Usually no more than 15-20/hr more. 3) FTE with an agency-you are employed with a firm that supplies consultants to healthcare facilities for the purpose of training, activation support, optimization (post go live support).
You are generally on salary, and when the contract with the specific healthcare facility is complete, your firm sends you to another client. In the event your firm doesn't have anything matching your skillset at that time, you can be on-the-bench, which enables you to have time off and still keep your regular salary until your firm sends you on another assignment. Benefits are also available if needed.
Hours can vary, depending on the needs of the facility. Most recently, I was a pricipal trainer, working anywhere from 48-60 hours a week.
Feel free to PM me if you have additional questions.