Are you interested in private duty nursing? These types of nurses provide care to patients in the home. They often help patients with major health issues that require ongoing care. Private duty nursing offers the chance to develop long-term relationships with patients, as well as several other benefits.
Prism Career Institute offers a practical nursing program at campuses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss the typical duties of this type of nursing and how students can pursue this specialty.
What Do Private Duty Nurses Do?
Like other healthcare professionals, private duty nurses have a range of duties. The typical responsibilities of a private duty nurse may include:
- Taking a patient’s vital signs
- Ensuring that medical equipment is working properly
- Updating medical records
- Changing bandages or wound dressings
- Placing a feeding tube for patients who cannot feed themselves
- Monitoring patient medications and nutrition
- Administering intravenous (IV) infusions
- Emptying and maintaining catheters
- Assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
- Supervising the work of home health aides or certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
Most private duty nurses provide care at a patient’s home. Some, however, care for patients who are in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospice centers. Private duty nurses often work with medically fragile patients. This may include older adults, patients who are recovering from surgery, and children or adults with severe medical issues.
What Are the Benefits of Private Duty Nursing?
Nurses who choose this specialization enjoy several benefits, including:
- Consistent schedules: Private duty nurses may have more control over their work schedules, and they usually do not have to work weekends or holidays.
- Autonomy: Some private duty nurses work for healthcare providers, while others enjoy the freedom that comes with being self-employed.
- Flexibility: Private duty nurses may be able to work part-time, an attractive option for those who want to continue their education while staying employed.
- Competitive pay: Working in private duty nursing can potentially translate into higher earnings.
How to Become a Private Duty Nurse
There is no specific certification for private duty nurses, and job requirements may vary by employer. Some jobs in private duty nursing require licensure as a registered nurse (RN). In general, private duty nurses should:
- Have relevant bedside experience
- Be patient and understanding
- Have effective communication skills
Like all nursing professionals, you must keep your nursing license and any relevant certifications up to date.
The Practical Nursing Program at Prism Career Institute
The nurse training program offered at Prism Career Institute can be a springboard to the specialty of private duty nursing. Our practical nursing program provides 1,560 clock hours of dedicated training and can be completed in as little as 15 months. This program is offered at all three of our campuses:
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- West Atlantic City, NJ
- Philadelphia, PA
In addition to classes at our dedicated simulated laboratories, students in this program complete clinical rotations in healthcare settings such as clinics or long-term care facilities. With both daytime and evening classes, students at Prism Career Institute can take advantage of convenient scheduling.
Upon successful completion of the practical nursing program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN exam). Because it is administered by individual state boards of nursing, this exam often is referred to simply as “the boards.” The NCLEX-PN exam measures a student’s knowledge of essential skills required to become a licensed practical nurse.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the practical nursing program at Prism Career Institute, students must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete an admissions interview
- Achieve a passing score on the entrance exam (ATI TEAS Exam)
Additionally, all applicants must submit to a criminal background review. Students at Prism Career Institute’s Philadelphia campus must complete a drug screen test, as well.
Apply to Nursing School Today
Are you excited to take the next step toward a career in nursing? Consider the practical nursing program at Prism Career Institute. With locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, our nursing school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). To receive more information from a member of our admissions team, contact us today.