National Association of Independent Nurses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent nurse?

The independent nurse is one who practices outside the traditional role as an employee; instead, they offer their services as independent contractors. They may elect to practice as sole proprietors or with others in a group using a variety of legal entities. These could include public corporations, partnerships, or other structures that professionals commonly use.

Can you really do this?

OF COURSE YOU CAN. There is no prohibition in any Nurse Practice Act that prohibits your practicing as an independent contractor.

Is this similar to working registry?

Yes, in that you will be working on a prn basis. No, in that you will be negotiating your own terms and reaping the financial rewards the registry nurse must share with the registry. However, the registry nurse typically works on a day-to-day basis or for relatively short periods such as traveling nurses experience. You, however, may elect to contract for longer periods of time. You will set the terms of your services limited only by need and your ability to negotiate.

Do I have to quit my job and start on a full-time basis?

Not at all. YOU will determine the parameters of your practice instead of having them dictated by others. We feel that you will want to expand to a full-time basis quickly, but there is no reason you cannot begin your independent practice on a part-time basis.

Why will hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers do business with me?

Two reasons:

1). Supply and demand. The current shortage of RNs will only be exacerbated by the aging of the "baby boomers," the ever expanding population of HIV positive individuals, and the increases in longevity that bring more and more people into the age group that requires a high level of health care. Look at the expanding number of registries and traveling companies as proof positive.

2). The high cost of nurse recruitment. The nursing shortage has spawned a multi-million-dollar-a-year recruiting industry. Check out advertising rates! This high cost of advertising has led many smaller facilities to the realization that it is cheaper to pay the rates charged by the registries and independent nurses than it is to do the advertising necessary to stay fully staffed.

Do I have to be "super nurse"?

Definitely not. Of course your rates should reflect your experience and advanced training or lack thereof.

What may I expect in the way of economic return?

Many factors have to be considered and the quickly changing economics of health care make us reluctant to quote specific figures. However, we believe the independent nurse who follows the guidelines given in A Guide to Independent Nursing should anticipate approximately a doubling of their annual income, and perhaps more when tax advantages are considered.

How will the health care consumer benefit?

When the professional nurse is compensated economically and in terms of increased respect, nursing will retain more of its highly trained members as well as attracting more deeply motivated individuals to its ranks.

Why have I not seen articles in the professional magazines that discuss this new concept?

It is just that: a new concept. Remember, professional magazines derive a large portion of their revenue from advertisers such as health care institutions and registries who might withdraw their support (and ads) from anyone advocating independent practice. Kind of tough serving two masters, we are told.

What are the goals of the Association?

Our goal is to gain a widespread acceptance of independent practice by acting as a clearinghouse for information and as a voice advocating our interest with legislative bodies.

Why should I join the National Association of Independent Nurses?

All professionals, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, etc. who engage in autonomous practice, have long recognized the necessity of aligning themselves within a group that represents their collective interests. Independent nurses, without an organization to represent their interests, will quickly fall victim to the political and economic power wielded by the health care lobby.