What is Private Duty Nursing?
Many VNA patients receive what is referred to as “skilled” care. Skilled care includes medical care, medication management, rehabilitation, and education provided by nurses (RNs or LPNs) or by physical, speech, or occupational therapists. Skilled care is provided on an intermittent basis, meaning a nurse or therapist may visit the patient’s home several times each week, but will not provide around-the-clock care. Skilled care (as well as supportive care by a home health aide, dietitian, and/or a medical social worker) is generally paid for through Medicare Part A. For those patients who desire additional care, private duty nursing is often the answer. The VNA provides private duty services through Nightingale Private Duty Nursing. Nightingale’s nurses, home health aides, and in-home companions augment the services provided by the VNA since Nightingale can provide care whenever patients desire it. In fact, Nightingale can even provide care on a twenty-four-hour- or live-in basis, if a p
