Nursing agencies are a driving force in the health care industry. Private duty nurses and nurse's aides are in high demand. While the business can be profitable, it's also very personal. These medical professionals are specially trained to work in various environments, and the agencies connect the nurses with the patients. Most private nurses are independent contractors working through the agencies.
Features
Nursing agencies are businesses that provide private nursing care to individuals in their homes or in other facilities. They are able to provide 24-hour care for patients who need it, and also provide scheduled care for wounds, catheters, g-tubes and much more. Private duty nurses also sometimes help with household duties like light cleaning and running errands. Nursing agencies also employ certified nursing assistants and other medical professionals as needed.
Misconceptions
Many people mistakenly believe that private nursing care is only available for or used by the elderly. In reality, most agencies have nurses and other staff who have various specialties, including pediatric care. Another common misconception is that insurance companies don't pay for private nursing care in your home. While there are certain restrictions (like proving medical necessity and time constraints), most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of private nursing care.
Benefits
Employees of private nursing agencies usually receive higher wages than their counterparts, partially because of the need for expanded availability to work. Patients who choose private nursing are usually able to remain in their homes instead of going to a facility. While some do still find themselves in a long term care facility, their families often feel more comfortable having a private nurse or nurse's aide to keep watch over their loved ones.
Potential
For the nurse who chooses a career with a nursing agency, the potential is almost limitless. For example, some agencies specialize in travel nursing, where the nurse is sent to various locations throughout the world and provided with a luxury apartment at no cost. The nurse then works for a specific patient or group of patients in the area until the assignment ends, at which time the agency can assign the nurse to a new location.
Considerations
While most insurance companies cover at least a portion of the cost for private nursing, be aware of your benefits, including co-pays and deductibles. Also, since they work in private settings much of the time, private nurses may wish to assess the risk factors involved with working in this field. Personal safety should be considered. Plus, working so closely with individual patients on a consistent basis may cause a nurse to become emotionally attached, making the job much harder.
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