A licensed nurse who provides home health care or is contracted to provide personal care to a patient in an institution such as a hospital or nursing home is known as a private duty nurse. To work as a private duty nurse, you must first be licensed as a nurse under the laws of your country or region. A diploma from an approved institution, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree are the most common educational requirements. To gain an advantage in the competitive job market, many candidates choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. A national certification test may be required once a degree or diploma has been earned.
Nursing is a highly skilled profession that necessitates extensive training. Various levels of nursing practice are recognized and licensed in many countries. Diploma training programs to advanced graduate degrees have different educational requirements. Nurses may be required to pass an exam as well as undergo a background check as part of their licensing process.
The professional qualifications of a private duty nurse and the tasks they are qualified to perform distinguish them from a home health aide. A nurse may also assist with hygiene and eating, but they are more likely to perform specialized medical tasks like wound care, blood work, and vital sign taking. Some home health aides and nursing assistants decide to pursue certification as a private duty nurse after completing the necessary requirements.
If you are a licensed nurse in your area, you may be able to find work as a private duty nurse by contacting local home health care agencies and nursing registries. Some of these companies may have additional requirements for their nurses, such as prior nursing experience and ongoing continuing education beyond the minimum requirements for license renewal. If you live in a large city, you may have several options for agencies and registries. Interviewing with several companies may increase your chances of landing the best job for you.
Another option is to work as a private duty nurse by making your own connections with clients. If it’s legal in your area, you can network with social service agencies, nursing homes, and other local organizations to get your name in front of people who need what you have to offer. One disadvantage of working independently is that you will not be able to consult with other professionals as needed when caring for a patient. You’ll almost certainly need your own liability insurance, and you might not have a back-up plan in place if you’re out of town or sick and unable to work.