A private duty nurse is a licensed nursing professional available to provide home-based nursing services to clients. These professionals may be RNs or LPNs/LVNs. They may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and private homes. Their primary role is to provide nursing care and implement specialized care plans, often involving family members in the plan of care. So, if someone wants to hire a nurse at home in Dubai, they have to pay according to the set duration and rates.
The demand for private duty nurses is expected to grow in the coming years as the baby-boom generation ages, and the general population becomes older. Because of this, private duty nurses should have excellent communication skills to assist those patients. Additionally, nurses who have advanced nursing certifications will have higher marketability among potential clients.
Earning a Nursing Degree
If you want to become a nurse but aren’t sure where to start, a science nursing degree program in nursing is ideal. The program is designed to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry locally and globally. You can also pursue your master’s degree in nursing through this program.
To become a registered nurse, you must complete either an ADN or a BSN program at a recognized nursing school. Nurses with an ADN degree may desire to go one step further and earn their BSN.
Duties of Private Duty Nurse
The duties of the private nurse include providing direct patient care at home, communicating effectively with patients, and coordinating care among other medical professionals. The nurse will also have to communicate with patients, so they must be empathetic. Having empathy will help them bond with their patients and provide excellent care.
Other duties of a private nurse may include providing basic hygiene and grooming care, arranging transportation, and preparing light meals. They may also be responsible for treating illnesses and infections, changing bandages, and monitoring medical status.
Following are other duties of a general home nurse:
- Examines a plan for the patient’s care
- Checks their prescriptions and daily medical regimen
- Cleans and tends to the patient’s wounds
- Recommends a diet plan for the patient
- Keeps track of the patient’s health
- Informs the patient’s family of any changes
- Determines whether the patient needs to visit the doctor for a checkup
Private duty nurses often handle multiple patients at a time. Because of this, they must prioritize tasks in order to ensure that each patient receives the proper care at the right time. Besides caring for patients at home, private duty nurses must know medical conditions to provide the best treatment. They must also be attentive to the patient’s needs and report the condition and any changes to the relevant doctor or hospital.
Getting an RN License
To become a private duty nurse, you need to earn an RN license. This examination is administered over a period of six hours. After earning your RN license, you need to gain relevant experience. Most employers look for at least two to three years of relevant bedside experience. In addition to acquiring the RN license, you can pursue other certifications, such as in pediatrics.
A primary requirement for becoming a private duty nurse is obtaining relevant bedside experience. Although experience requirements vary from agency to agency, many will require at least two to three years of relevant bedside experience, ideally in pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, or intensive care. Additionally, you can pursue advanced certification in critical care or pediatric nursing, which will help you stand out among potential clients.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding careers in nursing is private duty. This type of nursing allows you to connect with clients on your own, building a strong bond with them. However, becoming a private duty nurse takes several years of education. Depending on your area, you can complete an associate degree in nursing in two years or a bachelor’s degree in nursing in four years. Depending on your preferences, you may even be able to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.
In addition to providing a high level of healthcare at home, private duty nurses are also skilled at providing emotional support and managing medication. Private duty nurses are available around the clock, day or night. These nurses provide 24-hour care and can help with emotional and physical needs. They can monitor the client’s health, administer medications, and communicate changes to their physician to ensure immediate intervention. Unlike an agency nurse, a private duty nurse can connect with a client independently.
