Should I work as a contract nurse at 63?

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What is your opinion of working as a Contract Nurse (CN)? I have over 30 yrs experience in adult and geriatric, chronic disease, med-surge, and oncology. I am tired of working under the boot of greedy top-heavy, for- profit SNFs where minimal staffing is being " fiscally responsible" .  I'm tired of working for greedy HHCare agencies that fill your day with pt home visits and fill your at home time with documentation and phone calls to patients, and huge fuel and vehicle maintenance bills. In my CN investigation I have read contracts that put too much responsibility on the CN to provide equipment that is deemed necessary but is not covered by the patient's insurance. I stopped investigating after that, yet still possess such a desire to work as a contract nurse. What is your opinion of contract nursing as a career for this 63 year old nurse that lives for the profession?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Working as a contract nurse can offer several advantages and some challenges, especially given your extensive experience and specific concerns.

While  working for an employer can be frustrating, contract work is a dynamic shift  that can provide more freedom and autonomy. However, it will not eliminate all your frustrations and could even jeopardize you financially.

Here are some points to consider:

Advantages

  • Flexibility. Contract nursing often gives you more control over your schedule, letting you choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
  • Variety. You can experience different healthcare settings and patient populations, which can be professionally stimulating and rewarding.
  • Higher pay. Contract positions often offer higher pay rates compared to permanent positions, which helps compensate for lack of benefits. 
  • Autonomy. As a contract nurse, you typically have more independence in your practice, which might align well with your extensive experience and desire for professional freedom.
  • Specialization opportunities. You can seek contracts that align with your specific skills and interests, such as med-surg or oncology.

Challenges

  • Responsibility for equipment. As you mentioned, some contracts require nurses to provide their equipment, which can be costly and burdensome, although tax deductible.
  • Lack of benefits. Contract positions often do not include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, which are important considerations, especially at this stage in your career. Some estimates say that benefits contribute up to 30% of compensation. This requires you to plan for unplanned time off, such as sick time for yourself or a family member, bereavement time, jury duty and more.
  • Job stability. Contract work can be less stable than permanent positions, with the potential for gaps between assignments.
  • Administrative burden. You will still have administrative tasks, such as documentation and patient communication, which can be time-consuming.

Recommendations

Research thoroughly. Continue to investigate different contract opportunities and read contracts carefully to understand the terms and conditions, especially regarding equipment and other responsibilities.

Negotiate terms. Don't hesitate to negotiate terms that address your concerns, such as providing necessary equipment or compensation for its use.

Consider agencies. Look for reputable contract nursing agencies that might offer better support, including providing necessary equipment and handling some administrative tasks.

Financial planning. Ensure you have a solid financial plan to manage the lack of benefits and potential gaps between contracts.

Professional network. Utilize your extensive professional network to find reputable contract opportunities and seek advice from colleagues who have experience in contract nursing.

Given your passion for nursing and desire for a change from the constraints of traditional roles, contract nursing could be a fulfilling option if you can find contracts that align with your professional values and logistical needs.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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