TAKING THE INITIATIVE: DAVE DAWES PROVIDES PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR NURSE LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Q: I am just starting out on my own as a freelance health professional and I am unsure what I should charge for my services? Could you advise?

A:The first thing you need to ascertain is how many days a month you are planning to do work for which you are paid.

It is a common misconception when you first leave full-time employment that you will simply be working the same number of days.

You may end up working 22 days a month but it is extremely unlikely that you will be paid for all 22 days. You will be likely to need some days for sales meetings, managing the office paperwork and accounts, looking after your personal development and so on, so you may only be paid for eight to 10 days per month. Also remember that you will need holidays and you may well also have to take sick days as well.