Nursing as an Independent Contractor

[nightingale, RN]

I found this website of interest and wonder if anyone here might too. This is a site for The National Association for the Independent Nurse:

http://www.independentrn.com/index.cfm

There is no area of nursing that you practice as an employee that you could not perform as an independent contractor

NURSING WILL NEVER BE CONSIDERED A TRUE PROFESSION AS LONG AS THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS PRACTICE AS EMPLOYEES.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT NURSES?

We are a rapidly growing group of nurses who have chosen to market our skills as independent contractors/independent business people as opposed to the traditional role of an employee. The founders elected to form this association because none of the existing groups are representing the interests of independent nurses.

WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT NURSE?

An independent nurse is a self-employed nurse.

The central theme of independent practice has many variations. Some practice in traditional settings, either as a sole proprietor or within a group practice; some deliver services directly to the healthcare consumer; and some own medically related businesses. Regardless of the particular form, the unifying idea is self-employment.

WHY PRACTICE AS AN INDEPENDENT NURSE?

Substantial increase in income

Increased professional autonomy

More control of our personal lives

Independent practice will result in substantial increases in our compensation. Recognition of our worth to the healthcare delivery system will further our professional autonomy and increase our ability to set the terms of our services. These more attractive terms will be an incentive to attract and retain the more highly skilled people to our profession. In short, more money, better hours, and increased choices as to how, when, and where we practice.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT NURSES?

Access to training materials/seminars.

Access to the members only chat room and forum.

Advice on specific business problems.

Newsletters that will keep you informed of new ideas and the latest developments.

Referrals to resources for the new entrepreneur.

Advice on necessary benefits.

All professionals, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, etc. who engage in autonomous practice, have long recognized the necessity of aligning themselves within a group that represents their collective interests. Independent nurses, without an organization to represent their interests, will quickly fall victim to the political and economic power wielded by the healthcare lobby.

We encourage you to read A Pocket Guide to Independent Nursing, a book that will give you specific information on various aspects of independent practice. Upon joining the National Association of Independent Nurses for one year, you will receive a copy of this book along with the book Financing Without Borrowing: A Business Person's Guide to Factoring. Both books are included with the cost of the membership. For further information, see the membership page.