The Independent Nurse Practitioner
The blog that helps you become an independent provider and take back your life!
Hi, I’m Elizabeth "Liz" Kirt, a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a private practice that spans family medicine, integrative medicine, and psychiatry. Since starting my practice in 2018, I’ve been privileged to chart my own course as a healthcare provider. This blog is dedicated to helping Nurse Practitioners (NPs) like you navigate the journey of becoming your own boss and launching an independent practice.
The idea for this blog was sparked by the countless conversations I’ve had with registered nurses and NPs who, upon hearing that I run my own private and remote practice, often ask with wide-eyed curiosity, “How did you do that?” or “Can you help me set one up?” These interactions made me realize how many of us aspire to independence but lack the roadmap to get there. My goal is to share insights, tips, and resources to make that dream achievable for you.
Throughout this blog, you’ll occasionally see affiliate links for products or tools I use and trust in my practice. These are not random endorsements—they’re carefully chosen recommendations based on my personal experience. While these affiliates help offset the time and costs of maintaining the blog, my purpose here isn’t profit-driven. It’s to empower NPs to break free from systems that undervalue their expertise and potential.
Too often, I’ve witnessed talented NPs being underpaid and working under clinic policies that prioritize profits over patient care—or even clinical guidelines. For example, I was once reprimanded by a well-known psychiatric telehealth company for following proper medication titration guidelines for bipolar disorder. It was a stark reminder of why independent practice is essential: as an NP, you should dictate patient care—not arbitrary metrics.
If you’re ready to take the leap into independent practice, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
The Rise of Independent
Nurse Practitioners:
Taking Control of Your Career
Make more money, flexible schedule, & practice the way you want to practice!
Did you know there are currently over 355,000 licensed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the United States? According to recent data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the majority of NPs—about 78%—are employed by clinics, hospitals, or physician-led practices. These roles often come with restrictive protocols, long hours, and limited autonomy over how care is delivered.
However, the landscape is changing. More and more NPs are breaking free from traditional employment models and launching their own independent practices. While solo practices are still a smaller percentage of the total, they represent a growing movement of NPs who are carving out their own paths, gaining full control of their careers, and transforming healthcare delivery.
Why Go Independent?
Starting your own practice comes with challenges, but the rewards are well worth it. By working independently of clinics or physician oversight (where state laws allow), you can:
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Earn more money by keeping a greater share of the revenue you generate.
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Enjoy a flexible schedule that allows you to spend time with family, pursue hobbies, or simply recharge.
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Practice on your terms, focusing on what you believe is best for your patients rather than adhering to rigid protocols that may not align with your values.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
This blog is here to empower you with practical tips and insights for starting and thriving as an independent NP. We’ll cover topics like:
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How to navigate state laws and regulations to practice independently.
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Setting up your business structure, from insurance credentialing to marketing.
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Building strong patient relationships while balancing work and life.
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Managing the financial side of your practice to maximize profitability.
My mission is to help you become your own boss, take control of your career, and build a life that works for you—both professionally and personally. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of independence or ready to take the leap, you’re in the right place.
Let’s make independence not just a possibility, but a reality. Stay tuned for actionable advice to help you thrive as a solo NP!