Is private duty the "easy way out"?

Specialties Private Duty

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Ok so my story is I'm a recently graduated RN, had my LPN for a year before that. I went into private duty nursing straight out of LPN school (because it seems agencies are the only ones willing to hire new grads) and have had the same client as both LPN and now RN for almost 2 years doing full time three 12 hour shifts a week. I can't help but feeling a little inadequate sometimes because I haven't spread my wings yet and experienced any other kind of nursing other than home health/private duty. The thing is I'm completely happy with my job! I make my own schedule, usually don't have to work weekends or holidays if I don't want to, I love my client/family/agency that I work for. But I can't help feeling like I'm taking the "easy way out" when I hear of my friends from nursing school going on into the big hospitals and doing med-surg and ICU and such... but hospital nursing is something that I've always known really isn't for me... I guess this is more of just a vent because I'm feeling down about myself almost as if I'm doing myself a disservice because I'm not out there in the hospital using all of my nursing skills and knowledge. Anyone ever feel like this or in the same boat? Any advice or wise words? Thanks so much for listening!

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If you are happy doing your job what difference does it make? I know two RNs who have been with the same clients pushing on 30 years. Both will tell you that they have no desire to do anything more challenging than what they are presently doing. And there is nothing easy about meeting the standards of a private client, or doing extended care for the same client for an agency.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

"The thing is I'm completely happy with my job! I make my own schedule, usually don't have to work weekends or holidays if I don't want to, I love my client/family/agency that I work for."

It took me years to get to that point. So I think you should be proud of yourself.

Private duty nursing may not be as diversified or involve high speed equipment as you'd find in a more acute setting, but you have a huge impact on a family's life and your patient's well being. I also work 12 hour shifts, usually 4 per week. During this time, my patient's family not only entrusts me with the welfare of their loved one, but they also share their home with me. Personally, I'd find it rather difficult having an "outsider" in my home 50% of the time, but then again it's often not a choice by the family, but rather the situation dictates it. So if I had to have a nurse at my home and should be so fortunate to find one who would do an excellent job, was reliable and respectful and go about the duties in a manner that caused minimal interference with our family life, I'd think that nurse was worth their weight in gold. I think you found your calling.

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Thank you both for your replies! :yeah:

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Sent by GOD. Healing Hands, HIS HANDS by way of your hand! Continue your blessing to this/these families. In my humble opinion.

We need dedicated ones such as yourself. Stay updated by means of journals and seminars. Be Proud of yourself, not everyone can handle this avenue of medical/nursing care.

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Ok so my story is I'm a recently graduated RN, had my LPN for a year before that. I went into private duty nursing straight out of LPN school (because it seems agencies are the only ones willing to hire new grads) and have had the same client as both LPN and now RN for almost 2 years doing full time three 12 hour shifts a week. I can't help but feeling a little inadequate sometimes because I haven't spread my wings yet and experienced any other kind of nursing other than home health/private duty. The thing is I'm completely happy with my job! I make my own schedule, usually don't have to work weekends or holidays if I don't want to, I love my client/family/agency that I work for. But I can't help feeling like I'm taking the "easy way out" when I hear of my friends from nursing school going on into the big hospitals and doing med-surg and ICU and such... but hospital nursing is something that I've always known really isn't for me... I guess this is more of just a vent because I'm feeling down about myself almost as if I'm doing myself a disservice because I'm not out there in the hospital using all of my nursing skills and knowledge. Anyone ever feel like this or in the same boat? Any advice or wise words? Thanks so much for listening!

Good Lord no!!!!! All that matters is that you love what you do & your're helping someone to boot!!! I have a bachelors degree in psychology from a private university (meaning I spent $$$$) & then later in life in my mid-30's went to LPN school. I have an easy case - I love the patient (a little girl) & her family, I don't mind going to work, the family likes me & I feel appreciated. Comparitively, it's an easy case - so i'm not sharpening my skills or anything - but so what - I'm not stressed out like so many nurses. If I (or you) ever want to branch out - we can - that's what's so cool about nursing. (I'm pursuing my RN too & plan on doing whatever I enjoy doing - even more homecare if that's what works out best) Honor yourself & do what's in your heart - if you know any aspect of nursing isn't for you then by all means don't do it because you think you "should." You'd be doing yourself a disservice by doing something you don't enjoy!!!!!

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Is there such a thing as "easy" in nursing? If a nurse ever thinks nursing is easy then its time for a new profession.

My PDN job is easier than an AC or LTC facility but still demanding at times without the stress. :yeah:

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I don't think it's an "easy way out." I just think it's a different avenue (one which you happened to discover earlier on than maybe, other nurses). Having said that....I too, have really only worked private duty straight out of LVN school. I am on my 3rd client/family and have had nothing but GREAT experiences w/ the clients/families (fortunately). I am still in contact w/ 2 of the families, as a matter of fact. I really do enjoy the relationships I've made w/ the families and clients (I work pedi cases).

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Specializes in behavioral health.

I think that it is great that you are happy with your job. You are fortunate, and I would not look at it as an easy way out. You had to have the education, take the boards, and get your license. I don't see anything easy about that. I wish that I could find a private duty case that I was really happy with. Actually, I don't even work private duty. I am just thinking about resorting to Maxim, if I can't find a job, soon.

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You should be very proud of yourself. Where your colleagues in the hospital

have peer support, you are the nurse on your shift. That is a lot of

responsibility. Why not expand your nursing horizons by joining a nursing

association in a specialty in another field that also interests you.

Take ceus or seminars in that specialty for yourself. Growing as a nurse

means challenging yourself. Stay with the PD, but it does not mean

you only have that interest..If PD assignment ends, you can always try

another specialty for yourself, not to compete with other classmates.

The hospital working environment is not what it used to be..........for sure.

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Specializes in NICU, intermidate nursery. PICU..

I feel the same way!!!! Hang in there

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Specializes in ABMT.

Here's something to consider, OP--

Maybe it feels like the "easy way out" because you've found a position & niche you really love. Work we love doing feels easy. Congrats on being in a good place in nursing!

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