In the hospital, mainly with the elderly but also with younger patients, special help is needed that can not be accomplished by the current staff. The family members can be helpful but, as they have jobs and other tasks, they are hard pressed to have a lot of time for this. A private duty nurse can be hired to help out in this case and saves everyone a lot of work or trouble scheduling this important time.

These nurses will come in handy during the hospital stay as they assist the registered nurses and all other medical staff stay on top of the patients condition. They can take the vital information, such as blood pressure, heart rate, measure the intake and out flow of liquids and document all for analysis. They can assist in administering many of the routine drugs as well.

A nurse of this type is indispensable in the home, also. This is where they really shine. Many of the family members can become overwhelmed by the services and assistance an unhealthy or injured person needs on a day to day basis. They are not prepared for the bathing, feeding and the recording of everything that is part and parcel of a recovery effort.

The amount of college and training these nurses must have changes depending on the state in which they wish to work. The minimum is several courses, based on basic health knowledge, nursing and medical knowledge. The type of knowledge needed will have the basics and whatever specialty he or she will be working toward. Certification is necessary before attempting private or hospital practice can be undertaken.

Private nurses of all specialties will need to be well informed about their patients. They will also need to become personally aware of their moods and eccentricities. This is important as many of those changes can indicate something that tests will not show. The family benefits from this as they do not have the time to do this even if they are trained to do so.

Many of the activities and care efforts they must be well versed in will include diabetes and traumatic brain injury care. They must be able to deal with tracheotomies, tube feedings and catastrophic injury care. Dealing with ventilators, medication and insulin pumps as well as spinal cord injuries and seizures control methods.

The correct private nurse for your family member should be certified and come from a reputable agency. That agency should provide the back up to all of their nurses and references should be checked. The knowledge base of the particular nurse they will assign to your case should include all tasks that will be needed and recommended by your doctor. There should also be a willingness to feed the patient as well as any other personal chores you are unable to provide.

Having one of these professionals for that member of your family who needs this help is important. Many insurance companies will pay for this type of service, however, some of them will not, so check into this. Whether they are attending your loved one at the hospital, in a care facility setting or at home, they are invaluable for your peace of mind.