offered a chance to do independent private duty nursing

[AhJee]

I had a question and was wondering if anybody reading this forum knew anything about it.

I work in a hospital in Los Angeles and was very fortunate to take care of a patient for the past 4 nights. We got along very well together; though the work was around the clock and quite heavy, I knew what she needed and she knew how I worked. She approached me with the idea of me being her independent private duty nurse. I was flattered by her asking me and it has got me thinking about it but I know nothing about private duty nursing, let alone working independently. Where would I start? Insurance? Billing? Do I have to go to my state's BON and do paperwork? Is it illegal to work for her without making some sort of contract? TAXes??

I have no idea how plausible or realistic this idea would be. I am only considering it to this extent because I thoroughly enjoyed being her nurse.

If anybody has any advice, it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[jwoods09]

When I was considering doing Private Duty Nursing a few years ago, I called the CA Board of Registered Nursing and was informed that I did not need any other type of lisence, as PDN was allowable by the BRN. I am now, again, researching starting my own business in Northern CA. I was also informed by the city I would be doing business in that a business lisence is only necessary if you will be "Doing Business As" (i.e. if you name your business anything other than a business with your true name attached - like Hero Nurses, Inc.)

Check with the city you live in and make sure this info is still true. It would not be wise to perform work without some type of contract, which lists fee that you will be charging. Payment can be cash or check, you will be responsible for paying your own taxes. This is a start :-)