How to Hire a Private Nurse in California

If you are facing a major health event, selecting the best care setting is likely to be of primary concern. In-home private nursing services allow you to heal and convalesce while in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Read on to learn about private duty nursing, what conditions they treat, and some helpful hiring tips.

What is an In-Home Private Nurse?

A private nurse provides a wide-range of medical services to individuals within the home setting. A private duty nursing service offers patients and their family members the support they need to manage acute, short-term, or long-term health care needs. In addition to the medical interventions provided, at-home nurses also collaborate with doctors and specialists to coordinate related services. 

How do Caregivers and Private Nurses Differ?

There is a distinct difference between the roles of caregiver and private nurse. Consider these features when seeking the correct level of care for your loved one:

Caregiver. A caregiver is essentially a home health aide. They assist patients by monitoring their condition, providing personal care, and possibly helping with meals and light housework.

Private Nurse. A private nurse – a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse – holds a nursing degree and related license. Based on the medical needs of the patient, skilled nurses provide a broad range of medical treatments and procedures.

What Medical Duties do Private Nurses Provide?

Skilled home nurses provide care for a variety of medical conditions. Whether you need assistance for a chronic condition, post-operative care, palliative care, substance detox, or hospice care, private nurses can help. These highly-trained nurses work with a physician to provide patients with the following in-home treatments:

• Post-surgical care
• Pain management
• Wound care
• Gastrostomy care
• Tracheostomy care
• Ventilator care
• Tube feedings
• Detox and withdrawal services
• Complex medical case management
• Chronic illness care
• Cancer care
• IV infusions
• Traumatic injury care
• Injections
• Blood draws
• Administering and managing medications
• Geriatric/Senior care
• Palliative care
• Hospice care

In addition to the specialized medical care, the private duty nurses also provide family support. The education and training they offer family members helps to ensure coordination of patient care.

6 Tips for Hiring a Private Nurse

In seeking at-home specialized nursing care you are likely to be concerned about obtaining the highest quality medical care. Finding a trusted private nursing service with a stellar reputation is a top priority. 

Do your due diligence when looking to hire a private nursing service by following these tips:

1. Consultation. Arrange to meet with the nursing agency to discuss the specific medical needs of your loved one. This consults ensures that the nursing agency is aware of the level of medical care required for the patient. Ask the private nursing care agency whether their nurses have experience with the patient’s specific medical condition.
2. Backup policy. Inquire about their backup care policies, in the event that the primary nurse becomes unavailable. They should have a policy in place to quickly replace the nurse with an alternate.
3. Check reviews. Search Google and Yelp to read the nursing agency’s consumer reviews. Also, visit the Better Business Bureau website to ensure that no complaints have been filed against the agency.
4. References. Ask the agency for references from their former patients or the families of former patients.
5. Background checks. Inquire whether background checks have been conducted on the nurses, nurse’s assistants, and support contractors.
6.  Meet the nurse. Ask to meet the nurse ahead of time to make sure they are a compatible fit for the patient. When meeting the nurse it’s a good time to clarify expectations.

Benefits of Private In-Home Nursing Services

There are several reasons why receiving nursing care at home is preferable to getting the same care in a facility. A meta-analysis reviewing outcomes of home care services for patients demonstrates a clear benefit. These benefits include:

• Instead of receiving care in a nursing home or assisted living, the patient will be in the comfort of home. The familiar objects, pets, family members, and routines surround you, which helps improve the quality of daily life.
• The family home allows family and friends easier access to the patient, which encourages visits. The social element is very important for mental health.
• Improved compliance to medication schedules, physical therapy exercises and other integrated care activities. 
• The home setting is less stressful with fewer disruptions, which allows the patient to be calmer and get better sleep.
• In-home private nursing may offer concierge services to augment your care plan. These might include massage, facials, IV NAD vitamin therapy, yoga, and acupuncture.
• The home setting provides a higher level of privacy and confidentiality.

The private nursing home healthcare option offers patients a choice in where they will convalesce during a health event. Receive one-on-one tailored medical care within the comforts of home.

Kinkaid Private Care Concierge Nursing Care at Home

Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | San Francisco

Kinkaid Private Care is a top-rated California nursing agency that offers concierge in-home care in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the San Francisco. Families entrust loved ones to our care, knowing we will provide them with peace of mind. Our vetted, expert nurses are available to provide high-quality medical care in the comfort and safety of home. To learn more about our in-home private nurses and concierge services, please reach out today at (866) 337-4596 or request a call back by filling out our request form.