A Guide to Private Duty Nursing: FAQ
Private duty nursing (PDN), a specialized branch of nursing, provides personalized care to patients in their homes, tending to their individual needs and circumstances. You can think of this field of nursing as private security — safeguarding patients’ health and wellbeing. Some nurses working in this field may even live with their patients to provide top-notch care around the clock.
If you’re passionate about establishing deep connections and considering a career in this high-demand field, this article is your guide to kick-starting your journey.
What Is Private Duty Nursing?
A private duty nurse is a healthcare professional who provides personalized medical care to patients in their homes or in private settings, focusing on one-on-one care for individual patients. It is often a contracted job, where nurses are hired directly by patients or their families, or through home healthcare agencies, working flexible hours to suit their patients’ needs.
PDNs work with individuals of all ages, including those recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. Here are some examples:
- Geriatric patients needing help with daily tasks and medication
- Patients recovering from surgery or medical procedures
- People with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease
- Children with complex medical needs
- Individuals with disabilities
- People with terminal illnesses
- Individuals with traumatic injuries or neurological conditions
- New mothers and newborns
- Patients with mental health disorders
- Clients recovering from addiction needing help in avoiding relapses
- People needing skilled nursing care for procedures like wound care or infusion therapy
What Does a Private Duty Nurse Do?
In addition to typical nursing tasks like head-to-toe assessments, medication administration, and accurate documentation, PDN’s duties can include:
- Managing medical equipment, such as IVs, feeding tubes, or oxygen tanks.
- Performing catheterization, tracheostomy care, and other specialized nursing procedures.
- Responding to medical emergencies and providing immediate interventions to stabilize patients.
- Assisting with mobility and positioning to prevent pressure ulcers and other complications.
- Educating patients and their families about their health conditions.
- Creating treatment plans addressing patient’s individual needs.
- Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and caregivers.
How to Become a Private Duty Nurse
Getting into this meaningful nursing specialty may be simpler than you think. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as a private duty RN nurse:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
The fastest way to become a nurse is to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Alternatively, you can choose to pursue a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which is usually preferred by employers.
2. Obtain a Nursing Licensure
To become a licensed RN, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and submit all required documentation to your state’s board of nursing.
3. Gain Experience
Curious about which nursing specialties can make their mark in the PDN field? Here’s a rundown of some common ones:
- Geriatric care
- Hospice care
- Oncology nursing
- Pediatric care
- Psychiatric nursing
- Palliative care
- Substance abuse nursing
Keep in mind that PDNs must provide care without backup or supervision. This means that you are responsible for the patient’s care whether it’s a regular day or an emergency situation. It’s important to have bedside experience before becoming a PDN — for the patient’s sake and your own peace of mind.
4. Get Certified (Optional)
You can get a Private Duty Home Care Certification through the National Association of Home Care and Hospice. Obtaining a certificate shows your commitment to this field. If you don’t have that specific certification, a certificate in your previous specialty can boost your chances of employment and your patient’s confidence in your abilities.
5. Advance Further With Continuing Education (Optional)
Want to become a top candidate in the job market? Enhance your credibility by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and taking continuing education courses. These experiences can boost your nursing resume and make you more appealing to potential clients in this contract-based field.
What Is a Private Duty RN Salary?
A typical private duty nurse salary is around $57,363 per year but salaries can fluctuate based on your specialty, years of experience, contract specifications, and cost of living. The highest-paying states for nurses in general are:
Private Duty Nursing: FAQ
What is the difference between private duty nursing and home health care?
Private duty nurses provide intensive one-on-one medical care to patients in their homes, including medication administration and medical equipment management. PDNs may even reside with patients, providing continuous skilled nursing care.
In contrast, home health nurses don’t live with families but visit periodically to complete specific tasks, which can include medical care but also assistance with daily tasks. Additionally, home health care is typically covered by Medicare, but the services of PDNs are not.
How do private duty RNs find clients?
Some PDNs market themselves by word of mouth or post their services online. Others are matched with clients through PDN agencies that handle the administrative tasks.
Can a licensed practical nurse (LPN) be a PDN?
Yes, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can work independently as a PDN for patients who are more predictable and less complex, provided the LPN meets the necessary qualifications and requirements set by their state’s nursing board.
Do private duty nurses get benefits?
No, PDNs don’t typically receive health benefits because most are contracted workers. They’re usually responsible for their own insurance, retirement plans, and must negotiate vacation time with their clients or a family member of their client.
What is a typical schedule for private duty nurses?
A PDN’s schedule is unique to the contract between themselves and the family. Usually, their shifts are seven days a week, with a maximum of 16 hours per day.
Are PDNs responsible for anything outside of their clients’ healthcare needs?
A PDN’s responsibilities depend on the contract they have with the client or family. Some nurses help pediatric clients with schoolwork or assist the family with household chores. Read contracts closely and advocate for yourself if you feel like you’re being asked to complete a task you didn’t agree to.
How can private duty RNs maintain boundaries?
Since PDNs live with their patients, they often start to feel like a part of the family, and they can sometimes get pulled into performing tasks they didn’t sign up for. It’s especially important for nurses in these situations to calmly and professionally speak up for themselves when they feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. If you were hired through an agency, you also have the option to reach out to them for guidance or request that they address the issue on your behalf.
Ready to Look for Private Duty Nursing Jobs?
Are you on the lookout for your next nursing job? Regardless of the specialty you choose, explore IntelyCare today to find the nursing opportunities that meet your needs.