How to start a concierge nurse business: launch your practice

Starting a concierge nurse business is a rewarding venture that combines your clinical skills and compassion with business savvy. The concierge medicine market is valued in the billions, with steady demand for personalized care among post-operative patients, seniors, and busy families.

This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, obtaining necessary licenses, securing funding, and acquiring equipment to help you launch a successful concierge nurse business in the U.S.

Step 1: Plan your business and validate your idea

First, define your target market. You could survey local plastic surgery centers or orthopedic clinics to gauge demand for post-operative care. Also, use U.S. Census Bureau data to identify neighborhoods with a high concentration of affluent seniors or families, who are your likely clients.

Once you know your audience, research the competition. A simple search on Google Maps will reveal other concierge nurses in your area. Analyze their websites to understand their services and pricing. This helps you find a gap you can fill, like offering specialized pediatric or geriatric care.

Estimate your startup costs

Speaking of finances, your initial investment will likely range from $4,000 to $11,500. Many new owners get caught off guard by insurance premiums, so you might want to get quotes early to build an accurate budget. A typical breakdown includes:

• Legal and Licensing: $500 - $2,000 for LLC formation and state board requirements.
• Insurance: $1,000 - $3,000 annually for general and malpractice liability.
• Medical Equipment and Software: $2,000 - $5,000 for supplies and an EMR subscription.
• Initial Marketing: $500 - $1,500 for a professional website and print materials.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Survey two to three potential referral sources, like surgical centers or elder care facilities.
• Analyze the service offerings and pricing of at least three local competitors.
• Create a detailed startup budget based on the cost estimates provided.

Step 2: Establish your legal structure and get licensed

You’ll want to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure separates your personal assets, like your home, from business debts. If your business faces a lawsuit, this formation protects your personal finances from being at risk. Many new owners overlook this, opting for a sole proprietorship.

Form your LLC through your state's Secretary of State website; filing fees are typically $50 to $500. You will also need a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which acts as a Social Security number for your business and is required for tax purposes.

Secure your nursing and business licenses

Your active Registered Nurse (RN) license is your main credential. Confirm it is in good standing with your state's Board of Nursing. If you plan to operate near state lines, check if your state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for multi-state practice.

Beyond your RN license, you also need local permits. Contact your city or county clerk for a general business operating license. These usually cost between $50 and $150 and can take a few weeks to process, so it is a good idea to start early.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• File for an LLC with your Secretary of State.
• Apply for a free EIN on the IRS website.
• Confirm your RN license status with the state Board of Nursing.
• Inquire about local business permits with your city or county clerk.

Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk

Insurance is a significant part of your budget, but it protects you from unexpected events. Many new owners are surprised by the cost, so getting quotes early helps you plan. Expect annual premiums to fall between $1,500 and $4,200, depending on your services and location.

Key insurance policies to consider

You will need a few specific policies. Some new owners try to save money by using a general agent, but it is better to find a provider who specializes in healthcare. They understand the unique risks, like patient privacy breaches or medication management issues.

• General Liability: This covers third-party injuries, like a client tripping over your medical bag. Aim for $1 million in coverage, with annual premiums from $500 to $1,200.
• Professional Liability: Also known as malpractice insurance, this covers claims of negligence. You will want at least $1 million in coverage, which typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 per year.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use your car for business, your personal policy may not cover you. Check with your provider about adding a commercial rider or policy.

For providers, look into companies like the Nurses Service Organization (NSO), Berxi, or CM&F Group. They have extensive experience with nursing professionals and can help you find the right coverage without overpaying. Make sure your policy includes cyber liability to protect against HIPAA violations.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Request quotes from at least two specialist providers like NSO or Berxi.
• Confirm your professional liability policy includes at least $1 million in coverage.
• Ask your auto insurance agent if your current policy covers business use.
• Budget for total annual insurance premiums based on the quotes you receive.

Step 4: Set up your location and get equipment

You likely do not need a commercial office. Most concierge nurses start with a home office, which saves thousands in overhead. Check your city’s zoning laws for home-based businesses, but this is usually a simple permit process. Designate a locked, private area to store patient records to maintain HIPAA compliance.

Gather your medical supplies and software

With your workspace sorted, you can acquire your supplies. A common mistake is to overspend here. Start with a core kit and expand as you get clients with specific needs. You can source items from medical suppliers like McKesson or Henry Schein.

• Basic Diagnostic Kit: $300 - $800 for a high-quality stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, thermometer, and pulse oximeter.
• Wound Care Supplies: $200 - $500 for an initial stock of dressings, antiseptics, and bandages.
• EMR Software: $50 - $150 per month for a HIPAA-compliant system like SimplePractice to manage patient records securely.

You will also need a reliable vehicle and a professional medical bag to transport your supplies. Wait until a client requires a specific service before you invest in more specialized gear. This prevents you from buying equipment you may not use.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Check your city’s website for home-based business zoning regulations.
• Price out a basic diagnostic and wound care kit from a supplier like McKesson.
• Compare features and pricing for two HIPAA-compliant EMR software options.
• Designate a secure, lockable space in your home for business records.

Step 5: Set up your payment processing

Most concierge nurses require payment upfront for service packages or at the time of service for individual visits. You might want to create simple service agreements for clients who book recurring care. This clarifies expectations and payment schedules from the start.

When you choose a payment solution, look for low transaction fees and HIPAA compliance. Many new owners get hit with high processing fees that eat into their profits. Average commission rates from other providers often range from 2.5% to 3.5% plus a fixed fee per transaction.

To accept payments on-site, JIM offers a streamlined solution. You can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly on your smartphone. Just tap and you are done. It is particularly useful for collecting payment after a home visit without extra hardware.

At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs, it is a cost-effective option. This is a clear advantage over the higher rates you often find elsewhere. Getting started is straightforward.

• Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done, no waiting for bank transfers.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Decide on your payment terms, such as payment upfront for packages.
• Compare transaction fees from different payment solutions.
• Download the JIM app to explore its features for on-the-go payments.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

Find your startup funding

With your budget in hand, it is time to secure funding. The SBA Microloan program is a great place to start. It offers loans from $500 to $50,000. Interest rates typically range from 8% to 13%, and you will need a solid business plan to qualify.

You might also look into grants. While competitive, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants up to $4,000. You can also check Grants.gov for federal opportunities, though these are less common for for-profit businesses.

Calculate your working capital

Now, let's talk about working capital. You should plan to have $6,000 to $15,000 set aside for your first six months. This buffer covers insurance, marketing, supplies, and your own salary while you build your client base.

Many new owners focus only on business costs and forget their personal bills. Make sure your financial plan covers your own living expenses for at least three to six months. This prevents financial stress while you ramp up operations.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Research SBA Microloan lenders in your area.
• Review the eligibility requirements for a NASE Growth Grant.
• Calculate your personal living expenses for six months.
• Create a six-month operating budget for the business.

Step 7: Hire your team and set up operations

Hire your first team members

You will likely be the sole provider at first. Once you consistently hit 30-35 billable hours per week, you might want to hire a per diem Registered Nurse (RN). This allows you to accept more clients. Expect to pay between $50 and $80 per hour for an experienced RN.

Your hires must have an active RN license and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. A common misstep is to classify nurses as 1099 contractors to reduce payroll taxes. This can attract IRS penalties, so consult an accountant to ensure you classify your team correctly from day one.

Set up your daily operations

With a team in place, you need systems. Use a HIPAA-compliant scheduling software like Alayacare or AxisCare to manage client visits and staff assignments. These platforms help prevent double-bookings and streamline communication, which is a huge relief as you grow.

You should also create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Document your process for everything from client intake to emergency response. Having clear guidelines ensures every client receives the same high standard of care, even when you are not the one providing it.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a job description for a per diem RN, including responsibilities and required certifications.
• Consult an accountant to understand W-2 versus 1099 employee classifications.
• Compare features for two healthcare scheduling software options like Alayacare or AxisCare.
• Outline a basic client intake process from first contact to the initial visit.

Step 8: Market your business and get clients

Build relationships with referral sources

Your first clients will likely come from referrals. Focus on building relationships with plastic surgery centers, orthopedic clinics, and elder care coordinators. A warm referral from a trusted doctor can have a conversion rate of 30% or higher, far better than cold advertising.

Many new owners just drop off brochures. Instead, schedule a brief meeting with office managers to explain how your services benefit their patients. This personal connection makes them more likely to recommend you. Your goal is to become their go-to provider for private nursing care.

Establish your digital footprint

You will also need a professional website. It should clearly list your services, credentials, and contact information. Use local keywords like "concierge nurse in [Your City]" to help potential clients find you through search engines. A simple, clean site builds trust immediately.

Once your site is live, create a Google Business Profile. Ask your first few satisfied clients to leave a review. Positive testimonials are powerful social proof and can significantly influence a prospective client's decision to contact you. This is a step many people forget.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Identify five potential referral partners, like surgical centers or elder care facilities.
• Draft an introductory email to send to their office managers.
• Outline the pages for your website, including Services and About Me sections.
• Create a Google Business Profile for your new business.

Step 9: Set your prices and create service packages

Your pricing reflects your value. Most concierge nurses use one of three models. You can charge an hourly rate, offer service packages, or work on a monthly retainer. Your choice will depend on your target client and the services you provide.

Choose your pricing model

Hourly rates typically range from $100 to $250. This works well for single visits or short-term care. For longer engagements, consider packages. A post-operative package might include 10 hours of care plus wound supplies for a flat fee of $1,500.

A retainer model, where clients pay a monthly fee like $1,000 for on-call access, ensures steady income. Some new owners make the mistake of underpricing to attract their first clients. This can make it difficult to cover your costs and devalues your expertise.

To set your rates, research at least three local competitors. Review their websites for listed prices. If they do not list them, you can call and inquire about rates for a specific service, like post-operative visit support. This gives you a clear market baseline.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Research the rates of three local competitors by reviewing their websites.
• Decide on a primary pricing model: hourly, package, or retainer.
• Create one sample service package with a clear price and list of included services.
• Calculate your target hourly rate to achieve a 40-60% profit margin after costs.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your business

To ensure consistent service, you can track client satisfaction. After a care package ends, send a simple Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey. Aim for a score above 50. You can also monitor clinical outcomes, like keeping post-operative readmission rates below 5%.

Know when to expand

Growth should be deliberate. Once you consistently hit 35 billable hours per week, it is time to hire another RN. Many owners wait too long and burn out. Also, if you spend over 15% of your time on admin work, consider a part-time virtual assistant.

As your team grows, your initial software may not be enough. Look into practice management platforms like Kareo or Tebra. They integrate scheduling, billing, and client records for multiple providers, which prevents operational headaches. This is a step up from a basic EMR.

A frequent misstep is hiring before your processes are documented. Your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be clear enough for a new nurse to follow without your direct oversight. This ensures every client gets the same high-quality care, protecting your reputation.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create a client satisfaction survey to track your Net Promoter Score.
• Set a specific billable hour threshold that will trigger your first hire.
• Review your SOPs to confirm they are ready for a new team member.
• Research one practice management software option like Kareo or Tebra.

You have a clear path to launch your concierge nurse business. Success in this field is built on trust, so focus on your relationships with referral sources. Your clinical expertise is the foundation, and now you have the business steps to build upon it.

Keep your operations simple, especially with payments. JIM turns your smartphone into a card reader, so you can accept payments on the spot for a flat 1.99% fee. This avoids extra hardware and surprise costs. Download JIM and you are ready.