There are a number of different types of jobs that you will be able to work towards when trying to work as a nurse. If you do not like the fast paced environment of a hospital and the idea of working with several dozen patients in one day than you should look into becoming a private duty nurse.
As a private duty nurse you will be working one on one with a patient inside of a hospital or out of their home. You will work along with their personal physician to understand what health problems they have, what type of medication they should be given, and how often those treatments should be given to them. Although you are working with a single patient at one time you could still have more than one that you work with in one week.
Education
In order to work in this particular part of the field you will have to receive your bachelor’s degree from the accredited nursing program and receive the title of Registered Nurse. This will require at least four years of schooling and you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to be legally accepted to work in that state.
What To Expect
As a private duty nurse you will be required to give the patients their medication, change their dressing, feed them, and help them in any way that is needed. There might be some days that you do not have to stay for very long and on other days you will have to take sample of their blood or evaluate their vitals.
Staying organized with the different patients that you have is very important. It will be your job to update their medical charts each time that you see them and to pick up on any noticeable changes in their health. That way you will be able to discuss these problems with their physician and take the proper action.
Skills
Besides having the right education in your background you must also have the right skills that make you perfect for the job. Time management is key when you have more than one patient to see during the day and week. You must pay attention to even the smallest changes in your patient. You must also have a good bedside manner. They need to trust you and feel safe when you come to help them.
Salary
According to information gathered in June of 2010 the salary for a private duty nurse was anywhere between $30,164 to $64,038. This salary is dependent upon your employer and your qualifications.