IntelliKat

Arrogant- a$$ doctors who don't respect my practice. I WILL NOT risk patient safety or my precious licence to comply with them just because they want to rush me. No way! Also, saliva. I work in Endoscopy and had a patient with a foreign body obstruction, so he couldn't swallow his secretions. Consequently, he had a bowl of saliva that he had spit out with dissolved tissues in it. When we took him back for the procedure to remove the FB, I had to empty the bowl in the toilet. The sight of it caused a deep retching and brought tears to my eyes. Awful.

Ohio requires a licence to practice as a Massage Therapist. I do not call myself one, so am not bound by this rule. And I conduct my practice VERY professionally and am acting within all established rules and laws. I openly state that I am a nurse that gives relaxation massage and do not claim to treat anything and that is totally legal!!! Thanks for your input, though.

Sure!!! Just don't call yourself a massage therapist!!!

Honey, you don't need a licence to practice massage, just a licence to touch people!!! (Those who are licenced to touch people without it being called battery are nurses, MD's, physical therapists, ministers, chiropractors and the like). You can legally massage people as long as you don't claim to BE a massage therapist. In other words, the massage you do it basically under your RN licence and an extension of what you learned in nursing school- giving a backrub. I have practiced massage in my home for 3 years after purchasing a professional massage video, watching it many times, refining my routine and then inviting friends and family over for free massages for practices and feedback on what I could improve, then when I got good, I charged a minimal price for my "beginner " massages, then after I felt real good about my service, I charged full price. I have had repeat customers who have raved about my product and given me thank you gifts!!! It also helped that I have HAD many massages and learned in that way what makes a good massage. I have a history form that asks about health conditions, and includes a disclaimer in the unlikely case of injury and which they sign. Be sure to use your nursing knowledge re: asking about clotting problems, cellulitis, etc. so that you don't unwittingly aggravate any current conditions, and do not try to treat anything- refer them to the doctor for any joint conditions, previous injuries, etc. Be sure to register your business name with the state (for about $25), then you can use your business expenses as tax write-offs! (Keep good records!) Write off all your start-up costs on your taxes. You are allowed to take a loss on a new business for three years, then you must declare a year of profit. My start up costs were about $1500! Make sure to have a good massage table, a nice heated pad, great smelling oils, beautiful music and warm hands! This will keep 'em coming back! You can also sell your homemade crafts, jewelry, etc. or buy products from companies at wholesale under your business name and mark them up and sell them to your customers when they come over to make extra $! (You must charge sales tax.) It's an adventure! Don't waste time with classes, just go for it!!! You already have the licence and the foundational knowledge!!! I'm pullin' for ya!!!