Posted by Gladys in NC on 6/6/05 6:22am
Msg #42579

Finding new business in nursing homes

Hello to All,

Iam trying to expand my business since the loan signings aren't really taking off like I had hope it would. So now I would like information on entering into nursing home and hospitals to do witness signing. Could anyone give me information on how to get started in that field? I just came back from the 2005 conference in vegas and it was very informative and exciting .

Thanks in Advance
Gladys

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/6/05 7:08am
Msg #42581

I have heard that this can be a form of income, but the only experience I have had with a nursing home occurred when someone asked me to drop everything on a Saturday / holiday to rush over.

In one case, this was before they had gotten there and found out there was a notary on duty to do the job for them free of charge.

After I had abandoned my plans for the day, gotten ready to go and was about to leave, I called to make sure I had the meeting place right (room #) and that the parties were all available. They did not need me after all and forgot to call me...just glad I called them as they would not have paid my fee for a "no sign" in this situation.

Be sure and keep a journalized history of this type of work whether your state requires it or not, and know your notary rules well...make sure and give the oath where required. In Texas there is a fine for not giving the oath on certain documents. Be very careful about whether or not you can notarize documents of a more serious nature in your state as I have "heard" but *do not know,* that some estate related documents require an attorney.

For Hospitals: Your costs may be higher...Remember with urban hospital work you have to add around $6 - $10 to your out of pocket expenses for parking.

Get yourself a website that will come up on a google search! I get calls all the time from mine. They will call you faster for this type of work from a personal webpage than from a notary database because they get a more personal "feel" for you.

Also, realize that your best business on this type of work will come on holidays, after hours and weekends. Do not undercharge because you'll hate it if you don't make it worth your while. That's another problem I have with it...I can only charge your statutory notary fees plus a reasonable travel charge.

While the medical affidavit business is well worth $35.00 to do on week days when I do more than one at a time and know I will get a check from the lawyer/lit support firm within a few days-- I hate it when I have to charge individuals more than a few dollars to go to a sad scene in a medical treatment facility or nursing home.

But, everyone has to start their business somewhere and this could be one avenue you will really enjoy--it's not my cup of tea.

Good luck.

Reply by joe/nc on 6/6/05 10:25am
Msg #42612

Gladys

Where in NC are you from? im in the charlotte area and I was at the convention but didnt meet anyone from NC, I thought I was the only one there from NC.

The way to get into nursing homes is probably to send a letter out to each one directed to the director of the home.

Joe/NC

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/6/05 10:33am
Msg #42619

I agree, Joe...that's probably the best way to get your name there.

The web page I mentioned helps if you go on behalf of the family.
They seem to realize all at once that they need a POA, etc. and will call you after doing a google.com search. Sometimes they don't trust the nursing home/hospital to send them someone into the room. But, sometimes they are glad to get the resident notary for free.

The problem is that they can get conflicting reports from the administration on whether or not the notary will be there when they need someone. In that case, an ad in the local phonebook is a good way to go.

Reply by Lee/AR on 6/6/05 10:33am
Msg #42618

Most have their own notary on-staff & free. And...these folks are in a nursing home for a REASON. Be very, very careful if you should ever get a call...odds are 'something is fishy'.