Ohio Independent Providers

I have been an Ohio Independent Provider for several years. It can be very difficult and frustrating trying to find a consumer(s) in your area. I am sure you are aware of the Ohio Home Care request for service page that lists consumers in your area. Most listings in my area seem to be for aides or a PCA. Over the years, I have tried numerous ways to try and find a case, but have had little success. From what I understand, the case managers do not assist consumers in finding a IP nurse. Consumers who want to hire IP nurses instead of agency nurses have to find a IP nurse(s) themselves. The case managers do not help them find a IP nurse....not sure if they are not permitted, but will call the agencies for consumers.
You can try posting on craigslist in your area, but I have had no success listing there or on any other lists. I have seen consumers list on there under healthcare jobs looking for a IP nurse, but they were always too far of a distance for me to travel or the hours were not what I was looking for.

I have talked with other IP nurses who also signed up for the Home Choice program where the case managers send you consumers, but they have had little success, and many have had no referrals.

Currently, I am looking for another means of employment.

Hi there! I have been an independent provider since June. I have to say I'm not enjoying it so far It is true that a LOT of listings are for PCAs on the ohcp website. I have had some less than stellar experiences to put it mildly and I've only been an independent provider since June. I would enjoy visits MUCH more than private duty, I think. I would like the variety and flexibility of home care visits. I am currently working toward getting my RN and I'm hoping to have more opportunities then. However, I'm terrified about not being able to find a job as an RN because of the apparently over-saturated nursing market. I know being an independent provider will be a possibility whether I'm an LPN or an RN, but I'm just not happy being a private duty nurse right now. I hope things get better for you! I wish you the best of luck.

Chris!