A Private Duty Nurse Provides An Appreciated Service

By Marci Glover


In the hospital, mainly with the elderly but also with younger patients, special help is needed that can not be accomplished by the current staff. The family members can be helpful but, as they have jobs and other tasks, they are hard pressed to have a lot of time for this. A private duty nurse can be hired to help out in this case and saves everyone a lot of work or trouble scheduling this important time.

These nurses will come in handy during the hospital stay as they assist the registered nurses and all other medical staff stay on top of the patients condition. They can take the vital information, such as blood pressure, heart rate, measure the intake and out flow of liquids and document all for analysis. They can assist in administering many of the routine drugs as well.

The home is a much more scary place for a patient in need of this critical care because family members are not as prepared to perform the many tasks to keep them comfortable. The nurse will accomplish this and also train the family in how it is done. Most people have no idea how difficult it is to bathe someone who can not even be helped to the bathtub or shower.

All private nurses must complete a certain amount of college course and extra work to become certified. They will take health basics and nursing courses to enable them to understand all that is involved in their trade. Four year college courses are part and parcel for many of these professionals as they will moving into a specialty down the line.

Their duties will include the basics, which is everything that must be monitored for the patient. They will need to take a personal interest in the patient in order to be as effective as they can be. Many times, the patients demeanor is a better indication of what is going on than any tests administered and sent away for analysis. This is a prime benefit for the family as they continue to live their lives as normally as possible.

Many of the activities and care efforts they must be well versed in will include diabetes and traumatic brain injury care. They must be able to deal with tracheotomies, tube feedings and catastrophic injury care. Dealing with ventilators, medication and insulin pumps as well as spinal cord injuries and seizures control methods.

When looking for a private nurse, you should contact one of the many agencies that deal with this. Find out how long they have been in business and talk with several of their nurses to see which one is your best choice. The individual should have the knowledge your loved one needs help with and a few others that are associated with the age of that patient. Certification of the nurse and the agency should not be negotiable.

Having one of these professionals for that member of your family who needs this help is important. Many insurance companies will pay for this type of service, however, some of them will not, so check into this. Whether they are attending your loved one at the hospital, in a care facility setting or at home, they are invaluable for your peace of mind.




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