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What Every Parent Should Ask When Hiring an At-Home Pediatric Skilled Nurse

October 17, 2022
Parents may find it difficult to hire a pediatric skilled nurse at home. Not only is it important to find someone who is qualified and experienced, but it is also important to find someone who will be a good fit for your family as well. The three questions below will help you make the most informed decision when hiring an at-home pediatric skilled nurse to take care of your child.


What is an At-Home Pediatric Skilled Nurse?

Providing skilled nursing care to a child in the child's home is the job of an at-home pediatric skilled nurse, who is either a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. A pediatric skilled nurse can also provide care for a child with special needs, terminal illness, or recovering from an illness or injury at home. In addition to working under the direction of a physician, at-home pediatric skilled nurses may collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
There are also different tasks based on the patient's needs. Some patients need only a few hours of care a day, while others need help all day. 


What are the Benefits of Hiring an At-Home Pediatric Skilled Nurse? 

In order to provide quality pediatric care for their children, parents should consider hiring a pediatric skilled nurse. Pediatric skilled nurses can provide vital support to both the child and the family. 
1. An improved quality of life for the child - A skilled nurse can provide around-the-clock care and support to the child, improving the child's quality of life. Furthermore, home care allows the child to recover in a comfortable environment since he or she is familiar with the environment at home. This leads to faster recovery and fewer hospital visits when home care is provided. A skilled nurse at home is also beneficial to children with chronic conditions who want to recuperate in a comfortable setting. 
 
2. Reduced stress for the parents - parents - Hiring a skilled nurse can reduce stress for parents, as they will know that they are entrusting someone who they can trust with the care. In case of an emergency or unforeseen event, Pediatric Skilled Nurses ensure families are well prepared. In this way, at-home care can provide a conducive environment for the child to recover and grow. 
Additionally, home care is also a great way to build parents' confidence by teaching them how to care for their children in the event of a sudden change. It helps parents understand their child's needs and establish their role in his or her recovery by being well-prepared. 

3. Home-based treatment plans that meet your child's needs - There are many treatment plans that are best executed at home. Pediatric nurses can assess the child's environment and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Your child's treatment plan can be tailored to meet their individual needs and benefit their recovery process to the fullest extent. 
 

Three Questions When Hiring an At-Home Pediatric Skilled Nurse

What are the nurse's qualifications? 

Whenever you hire a nurse, it is important to make sure that the nurse has the proper qualifications, especially when it comes to hiring a pediatric skilled nurse to care for your child at home. Make sure that the nurse has the proper training and experience to take care of your child. Ensure that you inquire about the nurse's experience working with children with special needs as well as their experience in providing home health care. You should also inquire about the nurse's licensing and insurance so that you will be able to be sure that your child is in good hands by checking her qualifications.
 
Moreover, it is imperative that you hire a nurse who is properly licensed and insured. Additionally, you need to inquire about their experience working with children of all ages. This will allow you to determine whether the nurse's experience and history are consistent with the needs of your child during the recovery process. Additionally, focusing on the qualifications of the nurse can give you a great idea of whether they are a good match for your child's treatment plan as well as whether they are able to thoroughly comprehend your child's condition. 


What are the nurse's hours of availability? 

The first step in the process of selecting the right at-home pediatric nurse for your child will be to ensure their schedule is compatible with yours. By doing this, you can create a schedule that is conducive to your child's needs when it comes to recovery and timely intervention. 
For example, if your child needs round-the-clock care, you will want to ensure that the nurse you hire can work those hours.


How Efficient are the Nurse's Communication Skills?

When it comes to pediatric nursing at home, establishing good communication skills, rapport, and chemistry is crucial. When hiring a pediatric nurse, communication skills are one of the most important factors, especially since they will be at your child's home regularly. Before committing, it is important to look at the nurse's relationship with your child. 
You should also consider their approach to pediatric care. How participatory is your child during these sessions? Is the method they use conducive to the intervention your child requires? Create a long-lasting rapport with the pediatric nurse at home by focusing on multiple approaches that work for both parents and children. This makes your child's recovery worthwhile for all. 


Contact BrightStar Care West Portland Today!

We invite you to contact us today if you would like to learn more about how we incorporate music therapy into our services, as well as our other wide range of caregiving services! You can also reach us by phone at 503-620-6011. Hopefully, we'll hear from you soon!