Typically do Private Duty Nurses (RN) make more or less than a Staff Nurse at a Hosp?

Specialties Private Duty

Published

Hello fellow Nurses!!I have been a RN for 8 yrs, most of my experience has been in ICU and TCU. I have become burnt out with hospital nursing for many reasons. Working long 12 hr shifts that turn in to 14 hr shifts because of the large nurse to patient ratio, no to very little ancillary staff, poor management, need I go on....Well I have a interview with a Private Duty Agency in Jeffersonville, IN coming up on Tuesday September 4th. I already have been told by them that I will be able to work 8 hr shifts but not much more yet. We will be discussing the details of the job on Tuesday. Due to health reasons I am no longer able to work 12 hr shifts and have been told by my doctors that I need a less physical and less stressful job. Will Private Duty nursing provide this for me? I have been looking for months for a job that would be physically and mentally easier on me but there isn't much out there. What I can find requires me to have my BSN and I only have my ADN right now. I want my BSN but I need to work for a company that will help me pay for the schooling. Also, in general, how does the pay differ from Private Duty nursing and Staff nursing at a hospital? Any tips for my interview coming up?Thanks in Adavance, Elizabeth

tots24

51 Posts

Specializes in pediatrics, orthopedics.

This could be exactly what you're looking for! Private duty, in my experience, is definitely less strenuous. I've worked cases that range from 8-12 hour shifts. It's a slower pace; sure there are some very busy times, but there is also some downtime. I really think this would be a good option for you from what you describe! Pay is less than hospitals; reimbursement just isn't the same in home care, but if you need the slower pace and shorter hours, this might be a small price to pay. As far as the interview, it sounds like you're more than qualified. Since in general people are being discharged from the hospital with a higher acuity level, they do have more intense medical needs than you might think, but with the experience you have under your belt you'll be great. Good luck!

Blackcat99

2,836 Posts

Private duty agencies in my area of Florida usually offer $15 an hour for LPN's and $16-$17 an hour for RN'S. They pay everyone the same. It doesn't matter if you have 1 year experience or 30 years experience. Everyone gets the same low wages.

Elizabeth138

14 Posts

Thank you for your responses! My interview went great! I will be able to work 8 hr shifts, have only 1 patient, no weekends or holidays. It sounds like I would actually be a lot physically and mentally healthier. But the pay is $6 less an hour and that was after I talked them into another $1 per/hr higher!!! This is the only private duty nursing company in the area and they are brand new. In fact, it sounds like I'll be their first RN higher if I accept the job. We have A LOT of home health agencies around here, which is different than private duty. The home health agencies only have LPNs and CNAs doing home visits because they can't afford to pay RNs what they are worth. I think this private duty company doesn't realize how hard it is going to be to find RNs with the ventilator and trach experience that they require for what they are willing to pay. I hope to be able to negotiate a couple more dollars on the hour. Any suggestions on how to do that? Thanks again :-)

SDALPN

997 Posts

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

National agencies don't seem to give raises as often or easily. Smaller agencies seem to give them easier. Even then, it's not always easy. The best time to negotiate is when getting hired. Also knowing the medicare and medicaid rates will help you know what they can afford. Don't expect to get too much out of them. A an LPN, I've made as little as $17/hr and as much as $24.50/hr with agency work. And that's base pay. One agency I'm with gives "stat"pay and will give me the RN rate of $27/hr. You can always negotiate when they call you asking you to cover a shift last min. You can also negotiate when you have plans and they call you asking if you can work. Especially on difficult shifts to cover or difficult cases (difficult family, not case complexity). I always have plans. So they know they better offer more pay when they call. However, it can backfire if you make more than most, because you will be the last on their list to call.

Nurfarm

2 Posts

I am a retired R.N with 27 years experience ,with NICU or Hospice or Home Health ,

would like to do some week end private duty care . I know about nursing insurance

I live Murrieta Ca ,can any one be my Mentor ,e- mail me Me with advice [email protected]

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Private duty work (actual private duty with private paying clients) can be found on job boards such as craigslist and typically through word of mouth. Rate of pay, usually better than the rates offered through agencies, is negotiated at time of hire when the employment contract is drawn up.

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