Anyone in biz for themselves?

[JulieBean2U]

:kiss :blushkiss Anyone out there in business for themselves? The more I think about it, the more I feel like having a home-based nursing business. After reading everyone's concerns about low pay, low professional respect and status, and being treated like step-children. I think that it is definately a consideration. Just wanted some input. What would the major health-care corps DO if we all started freelancing at inflated prices? WOO-HOO!!!!!!!! Gives me chills and goosebumps! Love ya all just cuz you're YOU!

[JNJ]

JulieBean and NurseT - very interested in what you are doing/thinking about. Power to you!

There are many, many ways of being in business for oneself as an RN. I have worked as an independent many times in the past, but I am currently working as an independent Medi-Cal provider (INP) - Medi-Cal opened this up to RNs (not just NPs and MDs etc) early in 2002. States other than California have also done this with their Medicaid programs. You could check out your state's web site to find out about the situation in your state.

In CA, Medi-Cal is not paying as much ($31.94 per hr and $35.77 for case management) as I could earn in my specialty in an acute care facility, but I've done 30+ years of nursing and am very, very happy with the autonomy I get now. I work in pediatric subacute home care (full shifts, not visits). I choose my own client(s), drive only as far as I choose, negotiate shift coverage with the parents (who treat me as a treasured professional) and usually do not work nights, weekends, holidays or late in the evenings.

There are case management opportunities in this to get your feet wet while 'keeping the day job' for a while. (LVNs can also run cases, but need an RN case manager).

Our needs change as RNs according to our journey in life; I accept it may not suit an RN early in his/her career, but I have recruited a former student of mine who seems to be getting the same out of the work as I am. I'm willing to share expertise/experience.

[nurseT]

Hi JulieBean, Wow, I hear ya with the family needs. My spouse was just DX with Barrett's Esophagus and we may have to go to Maryland to get the surgery he needs. I'll need to be able to with him and work out of my home. Working independent out of your home saves costs, no overhead. I plan on providing senior managed care, a wkly visit, acting as a liason between pt, physician and family/ adult children, also may set up meds for the week, prefill insulin syringes just to name a few duties. Still working out all the details. Of course I will work PRN for a local home health agency. I may attempt to contract with other local home health agencies to supplement in case I don't get enough work right away or for times when the census gets low. Hope this answers some of your questions and gives you hope. T

[J. B.]

I am in Business for myself and believe that is the only way to go. In fact it is the only way to keep up and stay in step with the world today. In this day and age it is not a matter of should I be in busines for myself it is What should I do and how do I do it.

I have my own Business and it involves My Nursing Knowledge and experience and I Have a E-Commerce Business that frankly is producing more and is showing greater growth.

[J. B.]

Thought I would give you a better discription of the business I am into.

I am a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and self-employed. I became a S-Corp for the tax reasons and the separation of my personal propert from my business.

Over the past two years it has been challenging to market my services to Attorney's but I have'nt given up.

About a year ago I fell into an opportunity to become a RN Examiner and I now also perform Ins Exams for applicant aplying for life/health or disability insurance. I am marketing myself to insurance Agents promoting the advantage of having a skilled RN going out and examining their clients rather than the roll of the dice so to speak. I am getting great exposure and in time the remote orders that are coming through me directly shoud increase alowing me to ability to obtain a greater piece of the reimbursment the Ins Comp pays for the exams.

I also have another business that in effect provided me with residuals income from my E-Commerce Business. For examiple when a customer, client, or member of mine purchases Office Supplies through my business partnership, I obtain a financial credit for that traffic I created. I have established business relationship with many small business including some Doctors, Dentist, Insurance Agents, I am working on a school district in my area now.

There isnt a family I know that doent have a computer or two in their home andtheir children use them for school and fun. The nice thing about this business is that for office products alone a singel 50 dollor purchase ( about two Ink Cartriages) and you get free next day delievery in most areas for most purchases). The convience along is creating new customers for me.

The real cool thing about my business here is that I have no AR, AP, Liability, Returns, SHipping , Employees, Literally NO OVERHEAD). and great Coprorate affiliate partners

I have three business I am running.

Conventional Job...Recovery Room Nurse (It as job( but I look at it as a Business revenue producer and Health Ins Producer for my family and self).

As Nurses we have numerious door before us if only we open our eyes and dream.