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The US is experiencing a dramatic demographic shift. There are currently 46 million people over the age of 65, and by the year 2050, that number is expected to nearly double to 90 million. Aging is a normal part of life, but as you get older, your need for personal and medical care grows exponentially.
For this reason, having enough people to perform independent private duty nursing jobs is critical to supporting our growing elderly population. There’s not just one way to work as a private nurse, however. In fact, there are quite a few different roles you can play in an elderly person’s life as an independent nurse.
Read on to learn all about the different types of independent private duty nursing jobs and their benefits!
Personal Care Aids
As people age, some of life’s most basic tasks become quite difficult. Things like taking a shower, using the restroom, and keeping a clean home are just not as easy as they used to be. That’s where personal care aids come in.
A personal care aid is a person who visits an elderly or disabled person’s home on a regular basis to provide basic care. Depending on your needs, they might visit a couple of times per week, or they might provide full-time care. During each visit, your personal care aid assists you with showering, does laundry, cooks meals for you, and does some light housekeeping.
Personal care aids are not able to provide the same level of care as a nurse, but they can help with things like changing bandages. Many people who work as a personal care aid go on to work as a nurse once they’ve received the right education and training. As a result, this is a great position for someone just starting their career.
Home Health Nurse
Whether you have acute or long-term medical needs, a home health nurse can help make sure that all of your medical needs are met. They visit on a regular basis to help with the administration of medication and manage chronic illnesses. They can also help ensure any medical equipment you’re using is in good working shape.
A home health nurse does not take the place of a doctor. They work with the patient’s doctor to ensure that the patient’s receiving the proper care at home while limiting their need for office and hospital visits.
Respite Care
Many people choose to provide care for their friends and loved ones once they’re unable to care for themselves. Serving as a caregiver is rewarding, but it is also difficult, particularly when the caregiver needs to leave town. That’s where respite care comes in.
Respite care is someone who steps in when the primary caregiver is unavailable. Sometimes that care might just be for an afternoon or two, or it might be for several weeks, depending on the needs of the caregiver. As a respite care provider, you might work in the client’s home or you might work for a healthcare facility where the patient stays until they are ready to come home.
Memory Care
One of the most devastating effects of aging is when a loved one begins to experience dementia or is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When this happens, it becomes increasingly difficult for family caregivers to be the primary source of care. Memory care is one way in which a private nurse can ease the stress of dealing with a loved one with dementia or memory loss.
Memory care nurses help create a safe and structured environment for the patient. They have special training that enables them to manage the unique issues that arise in patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Hospice Care
Patients who are at the end of their lives need a different type of care than those who have years of life left. Hospice care nurses are tasked with making patients as comfortable in the final months of their life. This means that they typically provide medication, check for things like bedsores, and treat conditions that are causing discomfort.
Hospice nurses assist with educating family members on their potential caregiving duties. They also provide psychological and spiritual support to the patient as needed.
What Are the Benefits of Private Duty Nursing Jobs?
There are so many benefits that come with being a private duty nurse. First and foremost, you don’t have to take the traditional route of working for a doctor or hospital in order to work as a nurse. It also gives you some freedom to set your working schedule and choose your clients.
The biggest benefit of private duty nursing jobs is the fact that you get to help elderly and disabled people live a dignified and comfortable life. They don’t have to feel the shame that often comes with the inability to care for themselves as they used to. That’s worth its weight in gold.
What Kind of Training Do You Need for a Private Duty Nursing Job?
Becoming a private nurse does require some education. You can start with as little as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These take two and four years to complete, respectively.
If you want to go the extra mile, then you’ll want to become an RN by taking the NCLEX-RN exam. You can also receive additional certifications in specialty areas like memory or hospice care.
Are You Interested in Independent Private Duty Nursing Jobs?
There are so many different types of independent private duty nursing jobs out there. As an independent nurse, you have the option to choose which roles suit your interests and skills the best. If you haven’t already started your private nursing career, then there’s never been a better time to make a career change to this rewarding field!
Are you looking for someone to provide home care for you or your loved one? Are you interested in joining the home health field? Contact Venice Home Care today to learn more about your options!
