What to charge for private duty?

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Dear Nurse Beth,

What to charge next-door neighbor/friend for private duty Hospice nursing (3-4 days/1-2 hours per week)as an RN in Tn. She will only require PRN pain meds, colostomy care, & rectal packing/evaluations. Thanks!

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6 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear What to Charge,

According to Indeed.com, the average hourly salary for an RN in Tennessee is $53.27. However, that doesn't include benefits. 

Benefits make up approximately 30% of an employee's salary for an average total compensation of $69.251.

RNs tend to undersell themselves, but think about what you bring to the table. You are providing convenient, at-home concierge nursing care. While you say she "only requires pain meds, colostomy care, & rectal packing/evaluation", it's more than that.

It's your assessment skills and critical thinking ability. It's knowing when to notify the provider and how to manage her pain. It's knowing how much rectal packing is needed at each stage of her wound, and what granulation tissue looks like. 

It's determining the correct size for her colostomy pouch and assessing for alteration in body image. You'll be providing ongoing patient education.

What you charge should reflect your value. 

As a licensed healthcare professional, I would not charge less than $50.00 an hour with a one-hour minimum charge. Let's say a working range is $50.00- $75.00.

Since she is your friend, you might offer her a friend's discount, up to you.

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
Ann Fosque said:

Thank you for sharing this information

I am a LPN for 22 years with BLS ,ACLS and PBM Certification 

I am also working on my Certification in Gerontology 

I was wondering what would be a reasonable hourly pay for Private Duty

Let's go with an hourly salary of $21.00 in Tennessee. Using the above reasoning, charge between $25.00-$30.00.

Specializes in Clinical Navigator.

Thank you for sharing this information

I am a LPN for 22 years with BLS ,ACLS and PBM Certification 

I am also working on my Certification in Gerontology 

I was wondering what would be a reasonable hourly pay for Private Duty

Specializes in Clinical Navigator.

Thank you 

Specializes in Administration.

Does your friend get assistance from any entity to pay for their nursing care? That's my question.

Specializes in Clinical Navigator.

Hello Jeff, 

I am not currently seeking employment. 

I am a Clinical Navigator for Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center,  we run our own rapid access Anemia Clinic. 

This information will help me in the future. 

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