kate912

Hello: As a nurse you do have to be an NP IF you want to bill Medicare/Medicaid. BUT you do not have to be an NP to be an independant practicioner, consultant or to have a business. As to the wound care, I would encourage you to proceed, as it is a viable pathway for independant practice. Be prudent in how you achieve the speciality role and education. I will tell you that wound management is complex and it carries responsibility and risks for laibility. You will want and need to carry malpractice insurance that covers you as a specialist, not just an RN. This has to do with the scope of practice that you will be engaged in. I was the 93rd RN ET in 1979 to certify in wound care. It is a terrific career path and has opened doors for me that I would have never dreamed of. Go For IT!!!!! Let me know if you have other questions. I believe in fostering nursing and expanding horizons. Kathi

I invented a wound measuring device. A software program on the triad of outcomes with predicitve model database. A glove dispensing unti and a Carepath program for wound types (765 paths). I was out probably $60,000 for all of them. The thing to keep in mind is: invest to protect your idea. Find funding to take it to the next step. Sell the idea for fixed and varibale royalties. You can also negotiate a longterm consulting position if you want to work on growing your idea (baby). You can email me off line if you want to. You can also call me. I am happy to email you my address...but don't want to post tele #. K

YMail it to yourself. Keep a log or "diary" of your thoughts, communication with others and meetings regarding the ideas. See a patent attorney... sometimes they will give you an initial meeting at no charge. Seek oiut the SBA's help. If you need a confidentiality agreement I have a couple of samples. As nurses, we think everyone is good and kind and helpful...Protect yourself!!!!!! Good luck! Kathi

An independent contractor is (in this case) a nurse that consults to another business or agency on a specific aspect of business. When you contract your services, you set up an agreement with the other party that you are providing your services to. You are not their employee. The IRS has specific criteria to determine if you are a tru IC on not. Be sure to check that aspect out and abise by those rules. An IC is also responsible for their own billing and colection of the fees. You are also responsible for paying your own taxes which inclue self-employment tax. When you set up a fee schedule for your services, be sure to include any and all overhead and your profit margin to arrive at your fees. I hope that helps a bit.

Hi... I would be happy to talk wit you. I have three patents. I also sold a trademarked software program to a large corporation. First piece of advice:write up your idea... draw a picture as well. Mail it to yourself!!! DO NOT OPEN IT... the postmark serves as the official date of establishing your idea. Do not tell everyone about your idea! You can obtain assistance from the SBA or the National Inventor and Patent Association... Do not disclose your idea to any of the companies telling you they can help you sell your idea...they are a sham! Your state may also have an Innovation Division ... Check with local government. Let me know if you need help...but first register that idea as I suggested to protect yourself. I learned this from a patient of mine who had 165 patents..this is how he initially registered each of those patents. I may have a tape on P&I... would have to look for it. kathi thimsen [email protected]

HI Welcome to the world of owning your own business/practice. I have been in a private practice since 1983. I really enjoy what it entails and offers. Yes, there are bumps along the way...but oh what fun! What area are you focused on? One good source of info is the NNBA NAtional Nurses inBusiness. A dynamic group of nurses who do what they love and love what they do. Reading references: Research setting up a consulting practice... it gives you the framework for what you are required to do. Also, check your state's web site for info on setting up a business in your state..same for your county. Network!!!! Check out any Women Business Owner groups... often times you can get great info there.... NABO National Association of Women Business Owners. The SBA is also great. They have an Executive (usually retired) who works with you as a business mentor... invaluable! Often times they also have business incubator program. Good Luck! and CARPE DIEM!!!!! Kathi

Susie...thanks for your reply. I am thinking about Kaplan... I have been doing legal reviews and have found it very lucrative. I am in northeast Maryland...originally St Louis, MO. I think you are smart to pursue "non-traditional" nursing role. I love it. My email is: [email protected]. I would love to hear from you and communicate in an easier format. Perhaps we can be study buddies @ Kaplan. Kate:balloons:

How did you like the Kaplan course? I am considering enrolling. I currently do forensics for long term care/geriatric cases which I have found very interesting and yes, I earn a good income. Please let me know. Thanks

I didn't get any replies, but I am interested in talking about it. I am doing some consulting in forensics but would like to connect with others to compare notes.

Did you get any responses? I am interested and do have some experience. Let me know. Kate:rolleyes: