Private duty nursing might sound unfamiliar, but it can be a real game-changer for families with loved ones who have complex medical needs. It’s all about personalized, compassionate care that truly makes a difference.
You might be wondering—who exactly is this service for, and how might it benefit someone you care about? In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about private duty nursing, helping you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your or your loved one’s unique needs.
What is private duty nursing?
Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by most patients and their families.
Private duty nurses provide long-term, comprehensive hourly nursing care and are skilled in managing medical equipment and technology. A patient will have a nurse in the home anywhere from 4 to 24 hours per day. Private duty nursing is also sometimes referred to as continuous skilled nursing or block shift nursing.
Who benefits from private duty nursing?
Private duty nursing can benefit several different individuals:
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
For those living with chronic illnesses, managing day-to-day care can be overwhelming. According to MedPro USA Health Services, conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require ongoing monitoring, medication adjustments and specialized treatment plans.
Private duty nurses provide ongoing support for patients with chronic illnesses by monitoring vital signs, administering medications on schedule and educating families on lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments.
With the guidance of a compassionate professional, patients and families can breathe easier knowing that expert help is always at hand.
- Patients recovering from surgery or injury
Post-operative recovery or rehabilitation after an injury can be a delicate time. These patients often require short-term yet intensive care to monitor recovery and prevent complications. Below is a list of benefits of post-op PDN according to RN Elite Private Recovery:
- Personalized and individualized care tailored to your specific needs
- Care and support in the comfort of your own home
- Reduced risk of infection and complications
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
- Reduced stress and anxiety associated with recovery
- Increased independence and self-care skills
- Proactive pain management and symptom management
Additionally, studies show PDN is less expensive than a facility stay, costing up to half as much as a single hospital day.
- Children with special needs or complex medical needs
Families with medically fragile children face unique challenges. Balancing the specialized care their little ones need with creating a loving, stress-free home can feel overwhelming at times. PDN can make it easier.
Children who benefit most from PDN include those:
- Requiring ventilator or feeding tube assistance.
- Diagnosed with developmental or neurological disorders like cerebral palsy.
- With weakened immune systems needing infection control.
A trained nurse can provide not only vital medical support but also reassurance for parents juggling numerous responsibilities.
- Patients relying on advanced medical equipment
Patients who depend on advanced medical devices, like ventilators, infusion pumps, or catheters, require consistent monitoring and assistance. Even minor malfunctions in these devices can lead to critical issues. Private duty nurses conduct regular equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, use devices according to doctor and manufacturer guidance, and provide immediate response to emergencies related to equipment failure.
Having an expert by your side can make managing life-supporting devices much less intimidating.
Private duty nursing at Maxim
Beyond just medical expertise, PDN offers a host of additional benefits that improve both patient care and family well-being. Additionally, our nurses are thoroughly screened and credentialed with experience providing care for patients with various conditions.
Personalized attention
With PDN, an individual’s care plan is completely tailored to the patient’s preferences, medical requirements and daily needs. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all,” but an approach built specifically for the individual.
Reduced hospitalizations
Frequent monitoring and expert care can reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions or emergency room visits. This not only protects the patient’s health but also reduces financial burdens.
Emotional support for families
A private duty nurse often shares the emotional burden of caregiving, leaving family members time to focus on their relationship with the patient, rather than solely providing medical care.
Encouragement of independence
Patients feel more comfortable and empowered in their own homes rather than in a hospital or care facility, promoting faster recovery and emotional well-being.
PDN is not just about addressing medical needs—it’s about empowering patients to live comfortably, safely, and happily in their own homes. It brings peace of mind to families and renews independence for individuals, no matter their stage in life.
At Maxim, we provide PDN services to adult and pediatric patients nationwide. If you want to find out if private duty nursing is right for you or a family member, read our previous blog. You can also read our previous blog to learn how to pay for PDN.
Contact your local Maxim office to get started with private duty nursing!
