stupid question

Specialties Agency

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Specializes in ICU, Home health, Peds, School Nursing.

What is the difference between Agency, Home Health, and Private Duty nursing? They all seem to be about the same to me. However, I am new to these specialties. Thank you for taking the time to answer.

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Well I only do agency work through E.R.'s, but homehealth means exactly that. Your going to be doing work directly out of their home. I'd put private duty in the same spectrum. Agency work means you could go to hospitals, nursing homes, etc. On the same hand, alot of agencys also do homehealth staffing. Most people generally choose within that agency whether they want to work in a hospital or do home health work if that is an option.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

In my area home health means the patient receives visits from a RN. These visits are usually an hour a week, but can be more or less frequent depending on the pt status. Private duty is what I do as an LPN. I work shifts in the pt's home delivering all care per 485. Agency nursing just means your employer is an agency, it doesn't say anything about the job. Working for an agency, you could be an internal or external employee. Jobs range from staff relieve, home health and private duty to providing community services. This time of year I help out with flu vaccinations. (nothing like having someone thank you for poking them with a sharp metal object :D {nobody gets the spray:D:D})

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

BTW, NOT a stupid question. Many, incl. myself (even 'though I know better), use home health and private duty interchangeably.

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