Self-Employed Practice Overview

Overview

Registered nurses (RNs, RN(AP)s, and RN(NP)s) can engage in self-employment through various means, including:

  • Agency nursing,
  • Independent contracting, or
  • Owning a business (such as sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).

The independent nature of self-employment requires registered nurses to understand, adhere to, and be accountable for following College practice expectations, as well as all municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

Before accepting your first client or beginning your first agency shift:

  • Review the information and expectations specific to your area of self-employed practice.
  • Notify the College of your intent to be self-employed by submitting a declaration form.
  • Contact the College, as needed, to validate that you are practicing safely, competently, and within regulatory boundaries.
Related documents

 

AGENCY PRACTICE

The College recently published a new Practice Direction: Registered Nursing Agency Practice that defines the practice expectations of RNs in agency practice.

Any RNs engaging in agency practice must also provide an agency nursing declaration to the College, and keep the College updated regarding any agency employment.

SELF-EMPLOYED PRACTICE

This page is designed for nurses contemplating a self-employed practice. It offers essential information and considerations to help them make informed decisions and successfully navigate the unique aspects of self-employment in the nursing profession prior to seeing their first client.

INCORPORATION

There are unique requirements under the Regulated Health Professions Act that nurses must consider if they are thinking about incorporating their business. If you have already incorporated without informing the College, or are planning to do so, it is crucial to review the information on this page to ensure compliance and avoid potential errors.

NOTIFYING THE COLLEGE OF CHANGES TO PRACTICE

Self-employed practice requires nurses to notify the College. This page serves as a reminder of the specific notifications that the College requires for compliance.