Nurses In Private Practice
Many nurses have the ability to open up a private practice. Learn about what types of nurses can do this and in what states.
Nurse practitioners have career opportunities in a spectrum of health care settings, from direct patient care at a hospital to working collaboratively with specialty physicians in a clinic. Nurse Practitioners can also change their focus by starting their own private practice.
How is this setting different?
Scope of practice laws vary by state. Under the national APRN Consensus Model, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is expected to work within the specialty/population focus area in which they are certified, though not every state has adopted all elements of the model, your state's nurse practice act and board of nursing rules control your legal scope of practice. There is continued debate by lawmakers and physician groups about the independent role of the nurse practitioner (NP) in each state. Nurses can review the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's scope of practice resources for the current framework, and should confirm requirements with their own state board of nursing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners had a mean annual wage of $137,300 in May 2025. While a nurse practitioner in a hospital may be able to focus completely on patient education and care, private practice nurses must do that, and run the businesses' daily operations. Factors essential to the success of a practice — including state licensure, hospital privilege negotiations, third-party reimbursement contracts and the business plan — should be started well in advance of accepting patients, since each can take significant time to complete.
Requirements of working in private practice:
- Look closely at your market and intended practice specialty and location before beginning.
- Understand the requirements for physician oversight in your state, and, if applicable, locate a physician interested in developing the required relationship. Be familiar with the State Board of Nursing’s requirements for the physician’s role in overseeing private practice nurses.
- Maintain your registered nurse license as well as your NP license.
- Maintain your scope of practice, and know practice regulations for your state. For more information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
- To prescribe controlled substances, you must register with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and meet your specific state's controlled-substance prescribing requirements, which vary by jurisdiction.
- Negotiate hospital privileges.
- Negotiate with insurance providers and clear third-party reimbursement contracts before opening your doors.
- Find a mentor and ask questions.
Who makes this transition into private practice?
The decision to move into private practice could be for any NP if approached with an understanding of how that transition must be made and what it will ultimately entail. Opening a private practice cannot be done overnight, and building a successful practice is not necessarily easy. However, for those who persevere, there’s a great benefit at the end of that road: quality care for patients — the reason most nurses enter the profession in the first place.
Information last updated: September 2026