What is the difference between a HH nurse and a Private Duty Nurse?

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

HOME HEALTH NURSE:

This nurse visits a variety of acute and chronically ill patients who are in need of skilled nursing care developed by the physician. The HH nurse perfoms a wide range of tasks from collection of a laboratory specimen, changing a dressing to the administration of Chemotherapeutic agents. Excellent clinical skills are essential. Communication skills, including competency in teaching others how to care out procedure or self-care activities is extremely important. This nurse needs to have excellent assessment skills in order to detect early signs of potential or actual problems and alert the physician that a change in the plan of care is needed. Documentation of care is also important because of its relationship to reimbursement, which hire RN’s.

http://www.ga.unc.edu/NCCN/recruitmentandretention/youth/roles/homehealth.htm

PRIVATE DUTY NURSE:

Private Duty Nursing services are available for patients of all ages in their homes as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These services provide patient care for any length of time and aim to help patients perform daily living activities safely and independently.

Private Duty Nursing staff — such as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse— can provide medically necessary care as well as personal services, such as help with bathing.

http://www.aging.pitt.edu/seniors/home-care/private-duty.asp

Or if you prefer allnurses own definition: Private duty nurses are professional practitioners who give direct, comprehensive care on an hourly or live-in basis. https://allnurses.com/forums/f325/