The nursing profession has never been more in demand. With the ever-growing need for quality healthcare, nurses have become increasingly sought after for their unique skills and capabilities. Many nurses are looking for ways to further their careers and increase their earnings. One way to do this is to become a nurse independent contractor. As a nurse independent contractor, you can develop your own practice and be your own boss. You will have the freedom to set your own rates, select the clients you want to work with, and create your own schedule. While becoming a nurse independent contractor can be a great way to expand your nursing career, there are a few important things you should know before taking the leap. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps and resources you’ll need to become a successful nurse independent contractor.
- Get a nursing degree. …
- Pass the NCLEX. …
- Work as an RN. …
- Consider becoming an advanced practice registered nurse. …
- Join an independent nurse contractor organization. …
- Form a corporation. …
- Find clients. …
- Maintain good business and nursing standings.
Where do independent nurse contractors work?
However, they can also work in community clinics, wellness centers, schools, businesses, or hospitals. Independent nurse contractors frequently provide specialized care in patients’ homes.
Because independent contractors don’t require as many benefits as employees do, some places choose to hire nurses as independent contractors to reduce labor costs. Examine how the job description contrasts with the IRS definition of contract work as you contrast nurse contractor opportunities.
What is an independent nurse contractor?
A healthcare professional who works on a contract basis rather than being employed full-time at one location is called an independent nurse contractor. When there are nursing shortages, they can either move to different areas to help, or they can establish a specific patient base in one place. They provide their own insurance, pursue their own continuing education, and take care of their own taxes because their patient or care facility doesn’t deduct benefits or taxes from their pay.
How to become a nurse independent contractor
You can follow these steps to work as an independent nurse contractor:
1. Get a nursing degree
It takes about two years to complete an associate’s degree in nursing, also known as an associate of science in nursing or associate of applied science in nursing at some institutions. For students to gain nursing experience prior to graduation, these programs typically concentrate on a core program of nursing courses and include clinical components.
The completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program takes three to four years. The majority of ADN programs also cover clinical skills, but a BSN program also covers management, leadership, and research. A BSN may increase opportunities for positions with higher pay as it covers a wider range of topics.
For people who already work in the healthcare industry as licensed practical nurses, paramedics, or medical technicians, some schools offer accelerated ADN and BSN programs.
2. Pass the NCLEX
You can become certified to practice as a registered nurse by passing the National Council Licensure Examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. You must first register with the nursing regulatory board in your state in order to take the exam. You can set up your exam when that board declares you eligible to take it. Because the exam is computer-adaptive, the number of additional questions you get and their difficulty can vary depending on how you respond to them.
The NCLEX covers content within eight topics:
About six weeks after you take the exam, your state’s nursing regulatory board sends you your exam results.
3. Work as an RN
After passing the NCLEX, you can register as a nurse in your state and start gaining experience to establish your credibility with clients and find employment. As an independent contractor, specialization can help you establish your brand, so look for positions that could let you work in a field in which you are particularly skilled or interested, such as caring for patients of a certain age or with a particular illness.
4. Consider becoming an advanced practice registered nurse
The IRS establishes the difference between an employee and a freelance nurse contractor. Nurses are considered employees if their work is controlled by their employer. If only the outcome is under employer control, the nurse is an independent contractor. An RN is an employee because they are typically directed by a doctor or other expert. An APRN is less frequently categorized as an employee because they have greater control over treatment, sometimes even prescribing medication. You can work as a fully independent nurse contractor by earning your APRN.
You must obtain an advanced nursing degree, pass a nationally recognized exam in your area of expertise, and register with your state in order to become an APRN. You could obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Master of Science in Nursing. APRN exams with a focus on specializations are available from both the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Despite the fact that state registration procedures vary, they at least demand proof of graduate studies and exam results.
It’s a great idea to focus on a particular area of expertise during your APRN studies, such as midwifery, gerontology, or pediatric care. You can market your care for specific situations with the help of a specialty, such as home care for a specific age group.
5. Join an independent nurse contractor organization
You can transition into independent work by joining organizations like the National Nurses in Business Organization or the National Association for Health Care Recruitment. The NNBO offers resources for ongoing continuing education as well as information on starting your own business. These communities are also fantastic places to find mentors who are willing to share their knowledge.
6. Form a corporation
You must register your business as an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietor as an independent contractor. The best course of action may be to hire an attorney to assist with any paperwork and potential contracts you may need because some states have restrictions on how a nurse can incorporate.
7. Find clients
Utilize your professional network to find clients, and be clear about the type of work you want to do. When looking to network and find clients, a nursing agency that has contracts with hospitals or healthcare organizations might be a good place to start. When working with an agency, you won’t be an independent contractor but a contractor for the company. You’ll become an independent contractor once you establish your own clientele independent of a nursing agency.
8. Maintain good business and nursing standings
You’ll probably take care of a lot of business obligations as an independent nurse contractor that an employer would typically take care of, such as filing quarterly estimated taxes. As a freelancer, you must also carry your own liability insurance. You can defend yourself in court by purchasing your own insurance.
As an independent nurse, you have more responsibilities, such as finding your own continuing education to keep your nursing license current and staying current with any courses for your specialty. Additionally, you must keep up with any state regulations and modifications. Setting calendar alerts for course or renewal dates may be useful.
Skills for a nurse contractor
An independent nurse contractor possesses both business and nursing expertise, such as:
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
To Become An Independent Nurse contractor
FAQ
Can you work independently as a nurse?
The freedom to work outside of a clinical setting, set their own hours, and use their medical expertise to benefit others can be found in self-employment for registered nurses. After working for others or as an alternative career path after college, an experienced nurse might decide to launch their own business.
What can I do independently as an RN?
You can conduct internal audits to find billing fraud and other compliance issues independently, as well as through contracted work with hospitals, healthcare facilities, or even insurance companies. Alternately, you could concentrate on a particular area of expertise, like law, and work as a legal nurse consultant.
Is a travel nurse an independent contractor?
Traveling nurses frequently work as independent contractors rather than full-time employees. Due to the discrepancy, you are responsible for all tax payments and out-of-pocket expenses.
What is a contracting nurse?
An RN on contract performs all of the duties and responsibilities of a nurse but is only employed on a temporary basis. During that contract, you are typically expected to work full-time.
