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What Does a Private Duty Nurse Do?

Private duty nurses provide care to acute- or chronically-ill patients in a person's primary residence--this may be in a private home, nursing facility, assisted living residence, or inpatient hospice unit. Most private duty nurses work one-on-one with each patient providing clinical services such as administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing education.

Private duty nurses differ from a caregiver or home health aide due to their professional qualifications and the type of care provided. A private duty nurse may work independently or for an agency depending on state regulations.

Education & Training Required to Become a Private Duty Nurse

Private duty nursing most often requires certification as a registered nurse (RN). You can become an RN by completing a two-year program at a community college and earning an associate's degree in nursing, attending a four-year college or university and completing a bachelor's degree in nursing, or completing a diploma program which can take from three to five years.

There are also many online degree programs available for registered nurses. Regardless of the route you pursue, you must pass a state licensing exam and background check prior to practicing.

Typical Characteristics of a Private Duty Nurse

Because private duty nurses most often work in personal residences, it is essential that you have a warm personality and good communication skills. Independence is also important for private duty nurses, since a significant amount of time is spent traveling and in patient's homes, without direct oversight from a supervisor.

High Demand for Private Duty Nurses

As the population ages and individuals with chronic illnesses continue to receive better care and experience longer life expectancies, the need for private duty nursing increases. Technological advances are also allowing health care professionals to provide more complex treatments in the home--the preferred place for receiving treatment by many patients.

RNs working in home health care earned a median annual salary of $58,740, home care nursing is second only to physician offices in the list of nursing sectors that are expected to experience the largest amount of growth.