Private Duty Nursing

[skitzie]

I'm an LPN in Ohio and have many years skilled nursing home care experience. I want to do private duty nursing on my own. Several families have contacted me prompting me to consider this. I am preparing for retirement and think I will pursue this idea.

My question: How does one establish a fee schedule? I have no idea what would be a fair rate for my services. I still have to pay into social security to raise/maintain my benefits at the point of retirement. I have always carried my own Liability Insurance and understand I probably would have to upgrade my coverage. That, and all other expenses would be my own.

Any suggestions re: a fair rate of pay are appreciated. I don't know what to charge since I can't bill any outside agencies, I have to bill the family. I am aware of homecare aids charging $8-10 an hr. from when I had a need for my own mother 10 yrs ago. But as a nurse, I am lost. I want to be very fair, but I still have to survive myself. I am a strong advocate of keeping patients in their own homes as long as possible.

Also, are there any required documentation you can think of to protect me and my license? I would keep visit notes, med sheets and a family communication book. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance for any assistance you can offer!

[caliotter3]

When I worked private duty my client offered and paid me a significant amount above the rate that my agencies had been paying me. She found out that amount by talking to me and the other nurses. It was $6 an hour above my agency pay. Actually, that pay rate was only $2 an hour above what the good agency paid their home health nurses. And this client paid the employment taxes for me, so that made it better.

[caliotter3]

In general, depending upon your area's prevailing wages for home care, an RN would look at private duty for anywhere from $22 to $30 an hour, if that helps you find the ball park.