How to be your own Private Duty Nurse? (South FL)

[Nurse.Kelsey, BSN, RN]

Hello! My name is Kelsey, Im a fairly new LPN, in the south florida area. I work for a healthcare agency, and was looking into doing private duty on my own (not opening a business).

I'm not sure of the steps to take that would be involved in getting started. Aside from getting my own Liability Insurance, creating a portfolio, developing a scope of practice/price guide, and outsourcing my billing, is there anything else I need to do? Also, I heard you can get Medicaid certified?

I would greatly appreciate any information from experienced private duty nurses, or if you know anything :) Thank you for your time!

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

I only work through an agency, and have no desire to take on the tax, health insurance, and Liability Insurance ramifications of becoming an independent contractor.

Before going this route, be sure to discuss your plans with a CPA and a lawyer, to make sure all your ducks are in a row.

[Kamilah Coney, ASN, BSN, RN]

The only information I have come across in Florida are requirements to work as an Independent Contractor Nurse. If memory serves me right you would need a license (LPN or RN), Liability Insurance, a Florida business license (sole proprietor), and a contract with a hold harmless clause. I thought about doing the same thing but I contacted the FBON and found out that if I wanted to provide medical services I would need to work under the direction of an RN or physician. Then I thought about why I would need a business license if it was just going to be myself? And if I have to work under the "direction" of an RN or physician, do I need to pay them for their time? Needless to say I am STILL working for agencies. Let's just say that I have had too many Debbie Downer's talk me out of it all together.