Resume question for Private Duty RN

Nurses Career Support

Published

I have a question about resume building for a private duty nurse who seeks employment at a home healthcare agency.

I have been a private duty nurse for the past 15 years, and want to transition to a home healthcare agency.

In presenting my resume to agencies, am I an independent nurse contractor, self-employed nurse, or private duty nurse (who is self employed)? Or do all three listed?

My employers (as a private duty RN) were essentially clients and their families, however, this information is strictly confidential.

I would appreciate any information, tips, and/or suggestions regarding this area.

Allnurses.com, I am unsure to where I need to post this question so that it gets exposure, as I know there may be other nursing professionals in my situation who are in need of guidance. Therefore, does this post need to be in nursing career advice or home health nursing or entrepreneurs in nursing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As for job title I would probably go with private duty nurse rather than the others because it describes your job better than the titles used to identify your tax/employment status. I can see where you would have a dilemma about not listing your employing clients. Do they refuse to give references? If so, how are you going to have your employment verified? Easy when you work for an agency, you just list the agency as they are your employer. Otherwise, I would give the complete job description and put something in there about "client confidential" or "confidential client", like is sometimes seen on employment websites. I don't see what else you can do. But it is all probably a moot point, as most home health agencies will have no problem hiring you. Show them some type of W-2 or 1099 to prove you have been working longer than 6 months and they will hire you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for responding to my post, Caliotter3.

Because of HIPAA, aren't clients (of private-duty nurses) information is strictly confidential? As a private-duty nurse, I am to abide by these rules and regulations.

My clients and their families would gladly give me references, however, having client information exposed goes against HIPAA. Does it not?

Because of HIPAA, how do I get my employment verified (since I contracted directly with clients and their families)?

You mentioned that I can present my W-2 or 1099 as evidence that I have been working.

Because of HIPAA and confidentiality, who is appropriate to use as my references? Patients' families and/or relatives?

Any tips, suggestions, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are listing these people as your employer. You should obtain their permission to give their name and contact info and assure them that not one word will be said about their care. The employer can contact them to get dates of employment and "rehire" "do not rehire" info from them. HIPAA does not change the fact that these people are your employer and they should not object to being contacted in conjunction with you finding a new position. If they don't want to be bothered, then ask them to provide you with a standard letter of reference. Still, you should encounter no problem getting hired by a home health agency. The prospective employer will only look at the W-2 or 1099 and knows that they are also required to adhere to HIPAA. Sounds to me like your former employer is using HIPAA as an excuse to get out of recommending you for work. Sounds a little ungracious to me. Try getting a job without the reference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for your responses, Caliotter3. You have cleared so much about how to present myself to employers. I have been in private-duty nursing for so long that entering a new field can be overwhelming.

In most of my private-duty cases, the spouse or the child of clients paid for my services. In turn, I billed directly to the payor, meaning the spouse or the child of these clients. Therefore, my employers would be the payors for my services, and be listed as employers on my resume (granted that I have their permissions). Have I got this right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes. However, I would use the term "confidential client" for any one of them who refuses to grant permission to be contacted for employment verification or references. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to list the others the same way on your resume for public distribution. You can list specific names and contact info in the appropriate place (employer and/or reference) on job applications. That is how I would do it. Good luck getting on with an agency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice, home health, disabilites.

You should state that you were a self employed independent contractor home care nurse, be proud of it. It has many advantages, you maintained your own clinical records and notes, billing, as well as provided care as needed for the individual and the family. You may use the client as a reference, with their permission, if they are still available espically if it was a long term case, and they can vouche for you. Also any collegues, other nurses, teachers, trainings or administrative professionals that you may have worked with or encountered in your career, might be willing to put in a good word for you. The transition from private care to agency is not that difficult, if the management is flexible and willing to work with you. Your experience is valuable, and the fact that you were your own boss, and supervisor, is something to be admired as well... it shows that you are a self starter and that you can have business savvy.

Self employed persons, should really examine their ability to take direction from others and work for a 'boss.' If they are more of a free spirit, I think most of them appreciate the help but prefer working without a manager, unless that manager lets their work be self directed. If you start to feel micromanage by them, or deal with a lot of bureaucracy, that is just added stress...It is, a signal that it may be time to go back to working for yourself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is not a response to your question, but a question of my own. Where did you find private duty Nursing Jobs? Did you advertise or did it go by word of mouth? This is something i am interested in doing, but do not know where to start.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I found a home health position directly out of school. If there is a nursing school nearby they are probably a good resource. The newspaper and internet have a wealth of information. I just looked up home health nursing... I have recently relocated and have friends who also work in the industry. Just start looking and you will find all kinds of jobs out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is not a response to your question, but a question of my own. Where did you find private duty nursing jobs? Did you advertise or did it go by word of mouth? This is something i am interested in doing, but do not know where to start.

Mainly word-of-mouth. From reading other posts on all nurses, private duty nurses have mentioned advertising at churches, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer's Association, Craigslist, community centers, or professional associations. One post mentioned a website where you can list yourself as a private duty nurse.

RNworkingmom, have you already started in private duty nursing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment