little girl playing doctor

What Should My Family Expect From a Private Duty Nursing Team?

Care At Home For Children and Young Adults Is a Vital Resource When You Choose the Right Provider

Children and young adults with specialized healthcare needs can immensely benefit from private duty nursing. This service assigns highly skilled nurses to your home to deliver an individualized plan of care for your child or young adult.

Studies show that private duty nursing provides several positive outcomes, including:

These results make a strong case for hiring a private duty nurse for responsibilities related to your child’s or young adult’s care. However, you still may not be sure what private duty nursing looks like in practice or how to ensure you’re getting the best care available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Duty Nursing

When you begin pediatric private duty nursing services for your child or young adult, you should expect a seamless routine and stable, thorough care. These six frequently asked questions and answers provide a good starting point for understanding this service.

How Is Private Duty Nursing Paid For?

This service is covered in several ways, such as out-of-pocket; private funds; your state’s Medicaid Child Waiver; or private insurance.

What Are a Private Duty Nurse’s Responsibilities?

Private duty nurses are registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide a wide range of healthcare services, including:

  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
  • Tracheostomy care.
  • Assisted coughing.
  • IV therapy.
  • Injections.
  • Blood draws.
  • Administering and managing medications.
  • And much more.

Does Private Duty Nursing Include Any Additional Services?

If your child requires skilled therapies, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy, a trusted private duty nursing agency likely provides these services.

Are Private Duty Nurses Available For Respite Care to Help Family Caregivers?

Private duty nursing teams can offer respite care to give families a break from their caregiving duties. Available for as few as two-hour time blocks or even 24/7 care, a private duty nursing team is a critical support for family caregivers when they need to return to work or simply need a chance to recharge.

Do Private Duty Nurses Help With Personal Care?

No, they don’t provide personal care. However, if your child or young adult requires help with hygiene and daily routines, personal care Medicaid services may be available in your state.

Every child deserves a high quality of life. These personal care teams also provide opportunities for support and enrichment beyond the home setting. A team member may accompany your child for doctor’s appointments, school, camp, the Special Olympics, and other activities that allow your child or young adult to enjoy a full life outside the home.

Questions You Should Ask About Private Duty Nursing

If you’re interested in receiving private duty nursing, ask questions like these so you can understand what to expect.

  • Do your nurses have experience with my child’s or young adult’s specialized care needs?
  • Do you offer skilled therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy?
  • How long have you been providing these services in our community?
  • Do you offer respite care?
  • Do you take a client-centered approach? What are your care values?
  • Do you offer personal care services for children and young adults?
  • What additional services do you offer that may be beneficial for my child or young adult?

Many families begin to see their private duty nurse as a member of the family because of how much time, effort, compassion, and care they give to your child or young adult at home.

Continue To Do Your Research On Private Duty Nursing

As a parent, you don’t take healthcare decisions lightly. It is important to feel assured that you’ve chosen wisely for your child or young adult.

These resources can help you learn more about the benefits of pediatric private duty nursing and a private duty nurse’s responsibilities. Bookmark and read these articles, so you can feel well-informed and prepared for an initial conversation with a private duty nursing provider.

As you read and decide, also consider this helpful article, which shares ways to engage your child or young adult at home with fun, thoughtful activities:

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