Pediatric private duty nursing, or PDN, is a type of special skills nursing care for children between the ages of 0 and 20. PDN is often necessary for children who require continuous and personalized care. These children must also meet a certain criteria that makes PDN care necessary. Children who need in-home PDN care are often on ventilators, have brain damage, have a chronic disease or may be a quadriplegic. It is critical that ongoing observations by skilled nurses and continuous medical treatment are conducted in the interest of the child.
When children who have chronic or acute illnesses have pediatric private duty nursing at home, they make fewer trips to the hospital, and the duration of these visits are shorter. The nurses who provide this type of care also provide parents and primary caregivers with much needed support.
When a Family Would Need the Services of A PDN
There are several reasons why a family may want to use the services of a PDN, but usually the daily needs of the child go beyond the daily care needs of other children. The child’s physician must also deem the nursing care medically necessary. The physician does not make the decision alone. A team of nurses, social workers and discharge planners also work with families to determine the how to best care for the child’s needs in the home.
Children who would benefit from private duty nursing include:
- Those dependent on a ventilator
- Little ones who are neurologically compromised
- Children with traumatic brain injuries
- Premature babies
- Children with respiratory issues
What Families Can Expect During the First Visit
After a your nurse selection, the nurse will complete a thorough assessment to determine how many hours per week the child needs skilled nursing care. It is also during this time the parents or caregivers are able to ask any questions they may have. Paperwork will be signed and a weekly schedule will be set up. This schedule should not be binding and should be able to be modified at any time.
Pediatric private duty nursing attends to the medical needs of the child in the home. These needs are specific to each child. The nurse also educates parents and caregivers on how to better handle the needs of their child.
Does your child have special needs that require skilled nursing care in the home? In the University area, contact us to schedule a free assessment.