travel nurse vs. independent contract nurse

Posts: 1 · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

Thanks Mike,

Definitely something I have been thinking about for a while. I am working through an agency now. There are several online books that "tell you how to begin the process" of becoming an IC. Is this something you recommend spending money on, or is it easy enough to do on my own? How do you know how much you can expect to earn without using an agency? Thanks.

Mike wrote:

My Wife and I have been Independent Contractors now for 4 years. $$ are much better. As for bene's the $$ cover that without difficulty. We use a payroll company that takes care of our IRS concerns. Best $30 a month we spend. If more RN's understood that the Government looks at RN's as PROFESSIONAL people just like a lawyer or doctor and start being Independent Contrators, the Agencies that take 50% of what you work for would soon disappear. We have never been without work in 4 years! We have even subcontracted for a few of the Agencies. Just remember that RN's eat there young and if we started looking at ourselves as professionals instead of just an employee we could be making much better $$$$.

Posts: 1 · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Idaho

I'm currently working for Northwest Nurse Staffing as an independent contractor. I keep track of and pay my own taxes but the tax benefits are hugh and makes this worth the work. This company has contracts available in Idaho, Ore., Washington, California, Arizona and a couple of mid west states and is branching out all the time. They place mostly ICU, Tele, and L/D RNs but other specialties available also. They've been great to work for and with. You can contact them at nns-ic.com, tell them settconn pointed you in their direction. As they pay bonus' for referrals.

Posts: 5 · Joined: 30 Jan 2008 Posts: 5 Location: iowa

I would really want to know more about independent contracting. How can I do this? Can anyone direct me to some links or give me any information on how to get this started????? PLEASE HELP

Posts: 17 · Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 17 Location: wichita, KS

It seems that traveling does have it's own headaches but right now per diem nursing is my pathway until the summer comes then I will consider a contract through my existing company, as far as independent contracting just starting out is not a good idea, the rules and the game is new so doing this on your own would not work, for the experienced ones it would make more sense. To those looking for an agency I have dealt with RNNetwork, Access nurses, and Nightengale are few that have little to no negative feedback. Good luck.

Posts: 5 · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 5 Location: alaska

qccording to the IRS nurses can not be "independent" becasue we have to abide by the hospital rules, not our own. If you have questions contact the IRS or a CPA. It is illegal for a hospital to pay you as an independent contractor

Posts: 15 · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 4:09 am

you can be an independent contractor as a nurse. Just like everything else in the hospital there are some hoops you must jump through though.
first need to form a corporation.
second need to get bonded/insured.
third have to do all your own taxes.
fourth have to find a hospital that will work with a small travel nurse company.

of all those things the last is the hardest. especially in places like florida were all the hospitals only want to deal with one company and will not take any other and that company will not do independent contracts either. whoever said that you cant be an independent contractor here doesnt know what they are talking about. what do you think all the travel nurse companies do?

Posts: 15 · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 4:15 am

also forgot other things you have to do to be a company in a state.
have to have a registered agent for every state you work in.
have to have a buissness liscense for every state you work in.
have to register as a forgein corporation (if its not the main state of the corporation)