Private Duty Nursing
Private Duty Nurses (PDN) are eligible professionals who work as freelancers or through hospital and nursing agencies, delivering healthcare services to a patient or two. They tend to be patients in hospitals, supplementing the care given by staff nurses or work independently at home or in a long-term facility. They provide primary and focused nursing care and implements care plans that are specialized to individual medical needs.
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Adequate medical assessment and history is taken in collaboration with other members of the healthcare providers such as the dietician or the physician
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Day-to-day patient interaction
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Vital signs checking (changes and alterations documented)
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Administration of medications and treatments (as pre ordered by physician)
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Changes dressings, bandages and contraptions as prescribed
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Diet supervision and monitoring (with considerations to dietician advise and medical condition)
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Providing or assisting patient in self-care
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Dental care needs
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Bathing needs
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Other self-care needs (may involve hair and nail care)
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Providing range of motion exercises (may be passive or active depending on the condition)
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If bed-ridden, an assertive plan to prevent bed sores, contractures and muscle wasting is to be provided
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When alterations are observed, treatments and remedies are to be performed accordingly
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Documentation of patient’s condition and pointing out significant changes, to be reported to the physician and to the families
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In case of emergency situations, application of independent emergency procedures is recommended
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Maintains optimum health and well-being of the patient
