AS a BSN RN, can I operate independently providing care to friends and family at no cost?

[kat1822, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure how to describe this idea I've had, because I've never heard of anyone doing it. Basically, I'm not working as an RN currently because I'm raising my 4 children (7, 5.5, 3, and 10 months). However, I recently had the honor of helping to look after a friend of mine who just lost her baby at 23 weeks. It was the most rewarding experience I have had in a long time. It felt wonderful being there for her in her most vulnerable moments of grief, a shoulder to cry on. A point of contact for her at any time of night. I felt like I was filling in the gaps that were left by the short staffed nurses who cared for her. She and her husband had been so overwhelmed they didn't know what to ask until they were home, and I was there to help them figure out a plan of care going forward.

Ultimately, I felt like something inside of me ignited. I realized "this is what I want to do". I don't need an income because my husband makes enough for us to live on - so
I don't want to monetize this type of service; however, I want to be "formally available", in a professional capacity, to people in my family and close knit (although large) church community. I think this is the key for me to use my nursing passion because a big factor as to why I don't work as a nurse is that it's not cost effective to hire out childcare for 4 small children. Childcare is so darned expensive! I digress...

My questions are the following: 1) Is this a feasible idea at all? 2) If so, how can I spread the word that I'm willing to provide my personal assistance to those in need in our community free of charge (besides word of mouth)? 3) Liability? 4) How can I brush up my general nursing knowledge to make sure I'm in tip-top shape for something like this? CEUs, or something else?

I'm not sure what the rules are. I saw somewhere in the forums that you can't "turn off" your RN license, so I understand that whatever care/advice/etc I give, I must stay within my scope of practice. I plan on reading the nursing practice act for my state.
I'm not sure what aspects of this prism I've failed to touch on - very open to any ideas or suggestions! Thank you all - if you've made it this far you deserve a gold star ?

-Katherine BSN RN

[Zapi791, BSN, LVN, RN]

Nursing requires continual life long learning. I like the pocket med-surg guide as a reference. I also use the CDC and heart association website, and a Diabetic Meal Planner for my patient education that I received from our board certified diabetic educator. I am currently studying for the RN AMB certification because I am working in an outpatient clinic setting. I can relate to your love of nursing and wanting to give the best quality care. I have never worked for free but I am sure volunteering and public service will look great on your resume. Good luck with your plans.

[KR]

I would say check with your state board of nursing. Anytime I have worked private duty or per visit home health nursing by law we have to have a care plan, exact orders, diagnosis, meds, allergies,  safety plan, and more and it legally must be signed by the doctor. I have not looked into doing it for myself, but legally if a company providing home health nursing needs to follow laws, codes, etc by DOH, JCAHO, etc I would think that an individual would have to do the same thing. 

 

Definitely check with your Board of Nursing and get it in writing. Regardless, if u are working/volunteering as a nurse, I highly recommend Liability Insurance.

 

So glad u found something that ignited your passion♡