Independent Practice

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jul 4, 2004

I want to start my own business and have decided that my route would be as an independent RN. While I recognize that the nursing shortage has provided a great opportunity for this line of business, I am struggling to get started.

I have found that the nurse recruiters and the nursing leadership are apparently bonbarded with calls from agencies and travel companies. My business name sounds like a staffing agency, but at the same time, I want the hospitals to know that my business gives a personal touch. But, it is hard to get that message across when you can not even get into the front door.

Anyone have any suggestions regarding approaches to get in to speak with the nurse recruiter or nurse leaders? This would really help. In the area I am marketing, there are several hospitals and nursing homes. However, there are only 3 local agencies. These agencies do not appear to be that busy with staffing (I am signed up with one, but they rarely have any work).

If any independent RN's have any business success strategies or suggestions, I am certainly all ears. Thanks for your help. :rolleyes:

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2004

How have you set yourself up from a tax standpoint?

Due to previous IRS rulings, most hospitals will not talk to you unless you are set up as a business, preferably a corporation. You can be the only employee of your corporation, and you get many tax advantages because of that.

The best way to get in is to speak to the manager over the area in which you want to work, specialties have it easier..............

Good luck, it definitely can be done, but stay away from the nurse recruiters.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2004

How have you set yourself up from a tax standpoint?

Due to previous IRS rulings, most hospitals will not talk to you unless you are set up as a business, preferably a corporation. You can be the only employee of your corporation, and you get many tax advantages because of that.

The best way to get in is to speak to the manager over the area in which you want to work, specialties have it easier..............

Good luck, it definitely can be done, but stay away from the nurse recruiters.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jul 4, 2004

How have you set yourself up from a tax standpoint?
Due to previous IRS rulings, most hospitals will not talk to you unless you are set up as a business, preferably a corporation. You can be the only employee of your corporation, and you get many tax advantages because of that.
The best way to get in is to speak to the manager over the area in which you want to work, specialties have it easier..............
Good luck, it definitely can be done, but stay away from the nurse recruiters.

Thanks for the reply. I am in the process of setting up as a C - Corp. for now. Why stay away from the nurse recruiters? I know it is a conflict for them, but in my hospitals here ... it seems like getting the manager is like pulling teeth. How have you been success in this area? I am new to the area, but am starting to network more. I just find it very frustrating. I am still working at my regular job and doing my new business on the side ..... I guess I just need some encouragement. I mean, I know there is a need and there is a market, I just need to bide my time until I ge through, but whew, its a lot of work. :)

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jul 4, 2004

How have you set yourself up from a tax standpoint?
Due to previous IRS rulings, most hospitals will not talk to you unless you are set up as a business, preferably a corporation. You can be the only employee of your corporation, and you get many tax advantages because of that.
The best way to get in is to speak to the manager over the area in which you want to work, specialties have it easier..............
Good luck, it definitely can be done, but stay away from the nurse recruiters.

Thanks for the reply. I am in the process of setting up as a C - Corp. for now. Why stay away from the nurse recruiters? I know it is a conflict for them, but in my hospitals here ... it seems like getting the manager is like pulling teeth. How have you been success in this area? I am new to the area, but am starting to network more. I just find it very frustrating. I am still working at my regular job and doing my new business on the side ..... I guess I just need some encouragement. I mean, I know there is a need and there is a market, I just need to bide my time until I ge through, but whew, its a lot of work. :)

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2004

Thanks for the reply. I am in the process of setting up as a C - Corp. for now. Why stay away from the nurse recruiters? I know it is a conflict for them, but in my hospitals here ... it seems like getting the manager is like pulling teeth. How have you been success in this area? I am new to the area, but am starting to network more. I just find it very frustrating. I am still working at my regular job and doing my new business on the side ..... I guess I just need some encouragement. I mean, I know there is a need and there is a market, I just need to bide my time until I ge through, but whew, its a lot of work. :)

You want an 'S' corporation, if you remain as a 'C' you are going to get double taxed. I have worked agency for years...............and owned my own corporation. Never had problem getting work. The recruiters normally do not do anything with "agency" nurses, they are only responsible for hiring staff.

I have never had any problems getting into see a manager of a dept. or try the staffing coordinator, as they are the ones responsible for filling in the holes in the schedule. The nurse recruiters have absolutely nothing to do with this.

The more types of units that you can work, the more marketable you will be to the hospital. Are you willing to begin by working off-shift and weekends?

Are you willing to take call? Remember you have to make the hospital really wnat you, what are you going to be able to provide for them that they can't get by going somewhere else? You really need to sell yourself, this is the most important part.................. :)

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2004

Thanks for the reply. I am in the process of setting up as a C - Corp. for now. Why stay away from the nurse recruiters? I know it is a conflict for them, but in my hospitals here ... it seems like getting the manager is like pulling teeth. How have you been success in this area? I am new to the area, but am starting to network more. I just find it very frustrating. I am still working at my regular job and doing my new business on the side ..... I guess I just need some encouragement. I mean, I know there is a need and there is a market, I just need to bide my time until I ge through, but whew, its a lot of work. :)

You want an 'S' corporation, if you remain as a 'C' you are going to get double taxed. I have worked agency for years...............and owned my own corporation. Never had problem getting work. The recruiters normally do not do anything with "agency" nurses, they are only responsible for hiring staff.

I have never had any problems getting into see a manager of a dept. or try the staffing coordinator, as they are the ones responsible for filling in the holes in the schedule. The nurse recruiters have absolutely nothing to do with this.

The more types of units that you can work, the more marketable you will be to the hospital. Are you willing to begin by working off-shift and weekends?

Are you willing to take call? Remember you have to make the hospital really wnat you, what are you going to be able to provide for them that they can't get by going somewhere else? You really need to sell yourself, this is the most important part.................. :)