Using A Private Duty Nurse Helps The Family

By Marci Glover


Many people need more help, while in the hospital, than what is available from the staff of that institution. A large percentage of the elderly need special assistance and it is just not in the budget of many hospitals. The private duty nurse can be called on to fill in this gap as they can perform many of the same chores.

What these nurses are able to do in the hospital is take all of the readings and monitor all of the devices the regular staff can not do easily. Readings for blood pressure and heart rate monitoring are just a few They can perform the vital tasks of intake and outflow measurements and documenting same. This will be in preparation for the doctors analyzing them for adjustments to care.

A nurse of this type is indispensable in the home, also. This is where they really shine. Many of the family members can become overwhelmed by the services and assistance an unhealthy or injured person needs on a day to day basis. They are not prepared for the bathing, feeding and the recording of everything that is part and parcel of a recovery effort.

The amount of college and training these nurses must have changes depending on the state in which they wish to work. The minimum is several courses, based on basic health knowledge, nursing and medical knowledge. The type of knowledge needed will have the basics and whatever specialty he or she will be working toward. Certification is necessary before attempting private or hospital practice can be undertaken.

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.

The correct private nurse for your family member should be certified and come from a reputable agency. That agency should provide the back up to all of their nurses and references should be checked. The knowledge base of the particular nurse they will assign to your case should include all tasks that will be needed and recommended by your doctor. There should also be a willingness to feed the patient as well as any other personal chores you are unable to provide.

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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