As a Nurse, would you like to have more options for controlling your work schedule? Would you like to be less involved in the non-nursing issues present with all staff positions? Those that in many cases create unpleasant working conditions.
Contract nursing allows you to go in and do your job (patient care) and go home without getting caught up in the politics of the facility.
Contract nursing offers you the option of less involvement in the political problems of the facility.
Owning your own traveling nursing agency allows you the opportunity to meet new nurses and expand your skills learning new and better ways to do patient care.
Does someone else do the job easier and quicker, maybe less expensively or more patient friendly?
Network your skills and knowledge. What you have learned at one facility may be a lifesaver for another nurse or facility
Self employed nurses are not obligated to attend meetings but have the option of offered training.
Now, I am not here to hire you as a contract nurse. I am here to provide the tools to you to write your own contract. Sell yourself, your service, be your own boss. Start your own traveling nurse agency. Has a nice ring to it ehh?
You will have the tools to:
Negotiate contracts
Negotiate is the key word here. Guaranteed, the facility will try to get you cheaper.
Rates vary from locale to locale.
Will you charge mileage?
Have you considered lodging, meals, equipment, scrubs, extra scrubs/cloths?
Who to contact
DON Staff nurses can be helpful Human Resources Administration Other nursing agencies sometimes give you helpful numbers.
Some tax information/tips
Tax laws are ever changing. It is best to have an expert evaluate for you what is deductible and the best way to plan the payment of taxes. Do this early. I had some surprises.
Some meals are not deductible.
Keep every receipt you think might qualify as deductible. Let the tax expert make the decision.
Mileage vs. deduction
Pitfalls
The amount of time you work will depend on the number of calls for service you receive and those you are able to work. Always keep your name clean.
Don't rely on any one facility to make your business.
Spread your name and your expertise to as many facilities and people as you can.
Benefits
You have the ability to choose your hours and environment.
You can work when you want, how you want, where you want.
Specialty departments demand higher rates (OB, ER ICU, etc).
How to build your business safely.
If you need the extra work to meet a certain required income level as opposed to a luxury (second) income, you must build your nursing agency in a way that does not limit your income.
Does that mean starting your traveling nursing agency as a part time job?
Does that mean to have several contracts in place before giving up the security of the staff position?
Does that mean contract is better than temporary nursing jobs ?
These are some questions and concerns that you should consider while contemplating starting a nursing agency.
Keeping your name clean will be the key to earning the trust of those who have the option to request your services. . If you commit to a shift, work it.
Don't get in over your head because they have brought you in to fill position
You are filling a need for a facility. It is also true that you don't work if they don't call. Be flexible, cheerful, and available.
Remember the golden rule that says a person is only as good as their word...and work. Your customers will.
Contract vs. Temporary nursing jobs
Contracts are written for a specific time frame and vary from 8 to 13 weeks as a rule. This type of contract nursing allows the opportunity to travel and see other part of the country as well as practice your skills.
They make certain guarantees depending what both parties agree upon.
Lodging Mileage Guaranteed hours Time off needed
Per diem/Interim contracts temporary nursing jobs) are open ended in terms of time frames and are a tool for the facility to use when there is a shortage or need.
If you can fill the position great. If you are busy or already committed to another facility you cannot be held liable for not filling the shift.
There are no guarantees for the following:
Most often no mileage No lodging Can be called off shortly before shift is to start (depending how written into contract) Can be sent home if census dictates, again depending how the contract is written. Etc.
