The medical field is a path with a broad range of potential careers. Among those, one with the most options includes nursing.
When you choose to be a private duty nurse, you might wonder where you should begin with job hunting. But beyond that, what are their responsibilities, and how can you become one?
Keep reading as we delve into the basics and provide tips on how to find private duty nursing jobs.
Responsibilities of a Private Duty Nurse
When you choose a path to take as a nurse, it’s important to know where your specialty lies. Generally, a private duty nurse provides personal, one-on-one medical care to their patients. Even so, you might wonder what specific responsibilities are involved.
The following are what you can expect to focus on when you work as a private duty nurse:
- Providing regular medication, as prescribed, by mouth or injection
- Aiding and dressing wounds
- Keeping records and documenting daily vital signs
- Routine checking and performing physical examinations
- Accompanying patients to the doctor, clinic, and other errands
- Assisting patients with bodily functions, such as hygiene and mobility
- Providing emotional and social support
Despite the similarities, note that a private duty nurse differs from a caregiver when it comes to their primary roles. These nurses aim to enhance a patient’s quality of life, particularly in medical aspects. On the other hand, a caregiver provides personal and home care. So, they also work on daily activities around the house, while a nurse only focuses on the patient.
Given this, some of the driving forces that call for private duty nurses include aging, chronic conditions, and the like.
How to Become a Private Duty Nurse
Like other nursing jobs, becoming a private duty nurse follows similar steps to prove your dedication and expertise in the role. Here’s how to get started:
Take a Licensure Exam
The key to becoming a registered nurse, no matter what, is to take a licensure exam. You usually have to take this after you earn your degree, especially since it tests if you have the required knowledge and skills for the job.
Gather Experience
Usually, a private duty nurse position requires you to gather experience in the field. It means working in different healthcare settings, like hospitals and clinics, before moving to client-direct services.
Get a Certification
To strengthen your profile, you want to get certified in related skills. This way, you can open yourself to more employment opportunities in the field. A few nurse certifications to consider include critical care nursing and holistic nursing, among others.
Tips for Finding Private Duty Nursing Jobs
Even with a strong resume, it can take a while to find private duty nursing jobs, especially when clients are looking for specific skills and expertise. So, it’s good to have a clear idea of what you want in a job. Moreover, you should know the right places to look.
The following are a few tips that can help you find the perfect position:
Identify Your Work Preferences
Some people look for jobs without knowing exactly what they’re looking for. But as a private duty nurse, you should remember that the industry is growing fast. So, it helps to list down your preferences and priorities when searching for an available position.
A few things you can include are as follows:
- Work Location: Unlike other nurses, a private duty nurse works where the patient is. Consider your preference for work location and where you stay during the job.
- Assignment Duration: The length of time you work determines the weight of your responsibility as a private duty nurse. You want to be sure you work a period that you’re willing to.
- Patient Qualities: People who get a private duty nurse are usually elders or individuals with severe conditions. You want to work with people under an age group you’re comfortable with or within your expertise.
- Job-Specific Instructions: Some private duty nursing jobs have specific requirements and instructions for the job. Be sure you look into those that fit your expectations or range of care and abilities.
Organize Your Applications
Most employers fill positions for private duty nurses within a short period to avoid gaps in patient care. So, you want to strategize with your applications.
If you’re applying for several at once, it helps to create an organizational system for these applications. This way, you know which openings you have already applied for and the progress with each of them.
You can also start by searching and listing private duty nursing jobs. Later in the day, you can screen them and determine which ones you want to apply for. Doing so gives you time to compare and identify the options that work best for you.
Find an Agency
If you’re having trouble finding a direct client, consider starting with a healthcare agency with the focus you’re looking for. For example, if you want to work with patients in their homes, look for a home health care agency.
Keep in mind that being a part of an agency makes it easier to find patients, but you might have less freedom in choosing them. Moreover, your salary and benefits will depend on your agreement with the agency.
Join Organizations
A great way to grow your network is by joining organizations in your specific field or related ones. Not only do you get to meet more people with the same passion and sentiments, but you also get access to opportunities that help you grow your career. Moreover, you get personal advice from other members and gather experiences that improve your skills and credentials.
Start with Similar Posts
Lots of people suggest starting with similar positions instead of directly going for private duty nursing jobs. It’s because you will likely need experience from other healthcare settings.
Additionally, it helps you learn about the basics and crucial requirements of nursing as a whole. So, you get to build a strong foundation for your expertise.
The Bottomline
No matter how many private duty nursing jobs open up, your approach towards finding a position can dictate your success in the field. It’s good to build your background and experience to present yourself as a promising candidate. Moreover, you want to know where to look and what you’re looking for to ensure you land a job that you truly love and enjoy!
