Any nurses/AHPs set up private practices while employed on NHS contract?

[NHSandPrivatePracticNurse]

I’m an NHS nurse currently employed in a substantive contract - recently I’ve been thinking about setting up an earwax removal business to earn some extra money, but as the main breadwinner in our family and someone who enjoys their nursing role I wouldn’t want to give up my NHS post.

I know doctors often do private practice alongside their NHS roles, but wondered in any nurses, midwives or AHPs had done this? If so I’d love to hear your experiences, whether ear wax removal related or not, and whether it made much difference to your finances.

thanks in advance :)

You can, but check your contract as you will probably need written permission from your manager. On top of that, the NHS is very funny about employees working more than 48 hours a week and might need you to wave your rights under the working time directive in writing. It does sound like a good idea though. Good luck 😉

I doubt doctors will much in future. Full time is over 50 hours anyway. Then any extra studying . What energy does one have left after that?

Ah yes, I was aware about notifying my current employer but I’d forgot about the 48 hour stuff, will speak to HR to see what advice they have around it. Ideally I would t go above 48 hours as that sounds like a recipe for burnout, 10 hours a on the ear wax removal sounds like a reasonable start but good to know what the implications would be if I get a new lease of life 😂 Thank you, that was helpful!

https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/private-practice/working-in-private-practice/consultants-and-private-practice

of course they will. NHS consultants have always done less than full time NHS hours specifically to have time for private practice, and won't give it up easily.

Ah yes, consultants. On plan 1. That will change.

Hi I just wondered if you decided to pursue this in the end?

Hi,

I did the training and bought the kit, but haven’t set myself up yet as I need to register my business with the cqc. I’m in the process of doing the application but it’s really long and I work full time so it’s taking a while! Also I’m getting a sense that the market is pretty saturated, so not breaking my back over it as not convinced I’ll make that much from it.

the problem is that ear wax removal is not a regulated activity, so anyone can set themselves up to do it. And for the majority of people CQC registration isn’t required, however if you are a nurse/ahp/dr then you need to be CQC registered. It’s a bit unfair and means the market is easier for unregistered practitioners to get into….

Thanks 👍 good luck with it

I don’t but I’m going to! I’ve done the NMP & now I’ve booked on a course to do aesthetics & lymphatic drainage massage. You can waive your right to work over 48 hours by opting out of the working time directive, you can usually do this via your employer although you might have already done this, I think I was given the forms as part of my induction. I need to source insurance because the RCN doesn’t cover it.

Most of my nurse friends do private work. Botox and other aesthetics or therapy for the MH nurses.

They tend to do their FT hours over 4 days then work on their day off.
It’s disgusting that people can’t earn enough in their full time job to manage financially. Most are doing it to make ends meet.