If you are looking to enter the field of nursing, but you do not necessarily want the restrictions of working in a designated hospital or healthcare facility, consider pursuing a degree as an independent nurse contractor. These professionals establish contracts for their services instead of working directly for a healthcare provider. They also play a critical role in filling the void left by the current nursing shortage, particularly in underserved areas where finding, hiring and retaining qualified, educated and experienced nurses is difficult.
Overview of Independent Nurse Contractors
Whereas some nurses are directly by a hospital, clinical or facility, independent nurse contractors work on a contractual basis. Travel nurses are also typically independently employed as well. Since they work under a contract, they are free to choose to work for any client who is in need of their services, including home healthcare agencies, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics and hospitals. Since the U.S. is attempting to recover from a shortage of nurses, independent nurse contractors are critical to filling this gap, particularly in areas and at medical facilities that are struggling to attract and retain qualified nurses. Many nurse contractors work through agencies, while others are self-employed. The job duties of independent nurses closely resemble those who seek traditional employment as they are responsible for educating patients on their health condition, administering treatments and medications, monitoring and recording a patient’s recovery, developing and initiating a plan of care for patients and taking medical histories.
Pursuing a Career as an Independent Nurse Contractor
Those looking to enter the field as an independent nurse contractor must first complete an accredited, approved nursing education program. Most commonly, aspiring nurses pursue a degree in nursing such as a Bachelor of Science or Associate of Science in Nursing from an accredited university or college. A less-common track is to earn a nursing diploma, which is typically offered by hospitals. After successfully completing a program in nursing, students then take an exam known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once a student passes this exam, they are licensed to practice nursing in their respective states. However, before becoming an independent nursing contractor, aspiring nurses must also gain hands-on, practical experience as a staff nurse in a healthcare setting such as a hospital. Most agencies look for nurses who already have experience, and nurses who wish to start their own business must show evidence of real-world training in order to be successful.
Career and Salary Outlook for Independent Nurse Contractors
Independent nurse contractors have the luxury of being able to choose the healthcare provider for whom they work as well as the hours they will work. The career outlook for nurses is positive, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that employment of registered nurses (RNs) will increase 16 percent between 2014 and 2024. In many cases, independent nurse contractors can successfully negotiate higher salaries since the providers use their services on a temporary or limited basis.
Related Resources: What is a Director of Public Health?
According to the BLS, RNs earned an average salary of $68,450 per year in 2016. However, a number of factors can affect a nurse contractors’ salaries, including the state or region in which they live, the certifications they hold, how many years of experience they have and whether they choose to work in a rural or metropolitan area. In addition, an advanced practice nurse who has earned a master’s degree or higher also typically commands a higher salary as an independent nurse contractor.
