Becoming a self-employed nurse (IDEL) is an enriching opportunity for nurses wishing to combine independence, autonomous management and proximity with their patients. But how do you go about taking the leap? Discover the steps to become an IDEL and everything you need to know to successfully establish yourself as a self-employed practitioner, from the necessary qualifications to the essential administrative formalities.
1. Understanding the role of the self-employed nurse
Before embarking on administrative procedures, it is essential to understand what the role of a self-employed nurse entails. Unlike their salaried counterparts, IDELs work independently, most often at patients’ homes. They intervene based on medical prescriptions for various care services: dressings, infusions, injections, post-operative monitoring, support for chronic patients, etc.
This role goes beyond care: it also includes an important human dimension, providing listening and comfort to patients, often in vulnerable situations.
2. Obtaining the State Nursing Diploma
The first step to becoming a self-employed nurse is obtaining the State Nursing Diploma (DEI). Accessible after the baccalaureate or through validation of acquired experience (VAE), this training takes place over three years. It alternates between theoretical courses and practical internships, allowing students to acquire the necessary skills in nursing care, hygiene, pharmacology, and emergency situation management.
Once the diploma is obtained, the nurse can begin working in medical facilities, with a view to accumulating the experience required to access the status of self-employed nurse.
3. Required professional experience
To practice as a self-employed nurse, prior professional experience is mandatory. You must demonstrate two years of full-time practice (approximately 3,200 hours) during the last six years.
This experience can be acquired in various environments:
- Hospitals: intensive care, emergency services, general or specialized medicine.
- Residential care homes for elderly (nursing homes): geriatric care, support for residents in their daily lives.
- Home care centers: interventions directly at patients’ homes, offering a first immersion into self-employed work.
4. Administrative procedures to become an IDEL
Once the experience is acquired, the administrative procedures to become an IDEL can begin. These steps are crucial for obtaining the status of self-employed nurse and starting your activity legally.
a) Registration with the National Order of Nurses
This first formality is mandatory to practice as a self-employed practitioner. Registration allows you to be registered as a healthcare professional and benefit from official recognition. It requires providing:
- A copy of your State diploma.
- Proof of your professional experience.
- A certificate of no criminal record.
b) Declaration with Health Insurance
Registration with Health Insurance is an essential step to obtain an ADELI number, which allows you to bill care to patients and mutual insurance companies.
c) Registration with URSSAF
This procedure registers you as a self-employed worker. You must also choose your tax regime (micro-enterprise, sole proprietorship or company) and anticipate the payment of your social contributions.
d) Subscription to professional liability insurance
Practicing as a self-employed practitioner involves professional risks. Appropriate insurance is mandatory to cover any medical errors or incidents occurring during your activity.
5. Essential equipment for a self-employed nurse
Working as a self-employed practitioner means traveling to patients’ homes and having all the necessary equipment to intervene effectively. The content of your medical kit must be carefully planned and regularly reviewed.
Among the essential items:
- Dressings and compresses: for wound treatment.
- Diagnostic equipment: blood pressure monitor, glucometer, stethoscope.
- Equipment for infusions and injections: syringes, catheters, disinfectant solutions.
- Personal protection: gloves, masks, gowns to ensure hygiene.
You can consult our dedicated article on equipment to bring to consultations to learn more about the necessary equipment.
6. Creating and managing your practice
a) Finding a place to practice
Self-employed nurses can work alone, in groups, or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Some choose to open a practice to receive patients, while others prefer exclusively home care.
b) Accounting and administrative management
As a self-employed practitioner, you are responsible for billing, payment monitoring, and managing your expenses. Many IDELs choose to be assisted by an accountant or dedicated management software to simplify these tasks.
c) Relationship with mutual insurance companies and patients
Self-employed nurses often work in connection with health mutual insurance companies to ensure reimbursement of care. It is important to understand the procedures for submitting invoices and ensuring regular follow-up.
7. Understanding the IDEC profession and its differences with IDEL
Before starting, it is useful to compare the role of self-employed nurse with other similar functions, such as that of coordinating nurse (IDEC). While IDELs work mainly independently with patients, the IDEC profession consists of coordinating care within healthcare facilities. These two roles are complementary and essential in the care pathway.
8. Advantages and challenges of the profession
Advantages
- Autonomy: you manage your schedule and your patients.
- Human proximity: privileged relationships with patients.
- Diversity: every day is different, with varied interventions.
Challenges
- Administrative burden: management of invoices, declarations, and patient files.
- Availability: sometimes irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Physical and psychological risks: frequent travel, heavy loads, and patients in difficult situations.
9. Some tips for succeeding as an IDEL
- Invest in your training: specific modules, such as care for chronic patients, can expand your scope of intervention.
- Create a network: collaborate with other healthcare professionals to share information and find new patients.
- Stay organized: use digital tools to plan your rounds and manage your patient files.
Becoming a self-employed nurse is an exciting adventure that requires preparation, rigor and commitment. The steps to become an IDEL include administrative procedures, strategic choices for organizing the activity, and investment in appropriate equipment.
If this profession attracts you, know that it offers great personal satisfaction thanks to the proximity with patients and the possibility of practicing with complete autonomy. To learn more about equipment, tools and complementary roles in the care pathway, do not hesitate to consult the resources available on our DYNSEO blog.