The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way we view our lifestyles, goals, and careers. One survey showed over half of employees now want a career that allows them to contribute even more to society and their communities.
If this is you, you’re not alone. Does the thought of helping people who need care give you a sense of purpose? If so, becoming a private duty nurse or caregiver may be a rewarding career choice for you.
But… What is a private duty nurse? Who needs private duty nursing? What are the duties of caregivers? And why should you become one?
Let’s explore these questions in more detail to help you know if it’s the right fit for your goals and ambitions to contribute to the world around you.
What Is a Private Duty Nurse?
A private duty nurse is a registered nurse who provides specialized healthcare services in a patient’s home. A caregiver can also work in assisted living facilities or a hospital.
Private duty nurses may work under the direction of an established agency or on their own. Their goal is to provide quality care and improve the lives of those they serve. They may work on a short-term or long-term basis.
Who Needs Private Duty Nursing?
Private duty nursing is typically required when a patient needs constant special care, such as someone who has had major surgery or has a terminal illness. Private duty nursing has no age limit, but it’s common for the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases.
Some common medical conditions that may require private duty nursing include:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- Heart failure
- Congenital disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Burns and trauma
Duties of a Private Duty Nurse
As a private duty nurse, you’ll be responsible for providing compassionate, one-on-one care to patients according to their needs.
Some of the duties will be directed by a physician, while others will be based on your own assessment of the patient’s condition.
Directed duties may include:
- Monitoring the patient’s vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure
- Taking blood samples for testing
- Administering medications
- Wound care and dressing
Discretionary duties may include:
- Helping the patient bathe and dress
- Feeding patients
- Shopping
- Preparing meals
Why Become a Private Duty Nurse in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area
If you’re looking for a way to make your nursing career more exciting, challenging, and rewarding, becoming a private duty nurse is the perfect solution. At Home Health Companions, our exceptional private duty nurses have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by supporting what matters most: home, health, and relationships. Apply now to serve others, further your healthcare career, and enjoy competitive pay, benefits, and continuing education opportunities.