Private Duty Nursing

Description of Service:

RNs and LPNs provide skilled and non-skilled services for one patient over a pre-set period of time called a shift. The shift may be 4-12 hours long depending on the needs of the patient. Services are usually provided in the private home but are available for patients in nursing homes and hospitals as needed. Skilled Services may include administration of IVs and other medicines, treatments such as nebulizer treatments for breathing problems and ventilator care and suctioning; performance of  therapeutic exercises on a regular schedule as outlined by a licensed therapist; assessment of vital signs and body systems; bandage or dressing changes and wound assessment; gastric tube feedings; etc. Non-skilled services may include bathing and dressing; food preparation and feeding; cleaning of the patient's room and equipment; laundry; linen changes; etc.

Payment Methods:

Private Insurance, Medicaid Child Waiver, and Private Funds are used to purchase private duty nursing services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Medicaid Child Waiver private duty nursing must be pre-authorized by the Missouri Department of Health Bureau for Special Healthcare Needs Healthy Children and Youth Program. Medicaid Waiver will not purchase private duty nursing for patients while in the hospital. Private Insurance eligibility requirements vary by benefit package.

Corporate Nursing

Description of Service:

Employers may schedule wellness programs and private health assessments for their employees on an annual or more frequent basis as a benefit for staff and their families. Nurses will assess vital signs, perform vision and hearing screenings, perform venipunctures for lab profiles that may include cholesterol levels, blood counts, etc according to employer needs. In many cases, an annual health assessment provided for employees will decrease the cost of employee health insurance premiums. The employer’s staff will also receive instruction in the meaning of test results. All information is kept confidential for the employee. Nurses are also available to provide instruction in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and other health topics at the employer's selected site. VNA will staff the employer's nursing service either full time or in the absence of regular staff during vacations, illness, etc.

Payment Methods:

Private and Corporate Funds are used to purchase services.

Additional Notes:

Call to discuss your needs. A program specific to your needs will be developed at your request.

Health Information

Description of Service:

VNA staff provide information and education to the general public via Health Fairs and Educational Programs to private groups. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) classes are provided for groups of 4 or more. Flu vaccinations are available to groups in the fall. Large groups (10 or more) are asked to schedule private clinics in early spring to assure adequate amounts of flu vaccine for their group.

Fees to Participant:

CPR classes cost $25/person. (CPR books may be purchased from the CPR Instructor for $10 each.) Flu vaccinations are billed to Medicare Part B for those who qualify or can be privately purchased for $15/person. There is no charge for other educational programs.

Payment Methods:

Private and Corporate Funds are used to purchase CPR classes and Flu vaccinations.

Eligibility Requirements:

Programs and clinics are scheduled on a first-call, first-serve basis as manpower and supplies allow.

Additional Notes:

The VNA Answer Nurse is heard on a local radio station each morning and there are longer responses to individual’s questions on this web site. Please contact Helen Sander, RNC at 1-800-481-0520 to schedule a program designed especially for your group.

Private Duty Sitter

Description of Service:

Sitters provide adult and child supervision and assistance with normal activities of daily living in the private home for a pre-determined period of time while the primary caregiver is away or asleep. Assistance includes serving a meal that has been prepared or preparing simple foods for light meals or snacks, assistance with toileting, reminders to take medications and protection from falls or self-inflicted injuries.

Fees to Participant:

An hourly rate is contracted specific to the needs of the client.

Payment Methods:

Private Funds are used to purchase Private Duty Sitter Services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Any adult or child requiring non-skilled assistance and supervision when alone may benefit from a private sitter's care.

Additional Notes:

Working parents who plan to use this service as a back-up for care when a minor childhood illness prevents their son or daughter from attending day care or school, are encouraged to make arrangements in advance to insure service without delay on the day(s) care is required.

Private Duty Aide

Description of Service:

Certified Nurses Aides provide non-skilled services for one patient over a pre-set period of time called a "shift". The shift may be 4-12 hours long depending on the needs of the patient. Services are usually provided in the private home but are available for children and adults in hospitals and nursing homes. Non-skilled services may include bathing and dressing; food preparation and feeding; cleaning the patient's room and equipment; laundry; linen changes; etc.

Fees to Participant:

Hourly costs are contracted according to the specific needs of the individual and the duration of service to be provide.

Payment Methods:

Medicaid Child Waiver, some Private Insurance and Private Funds are used to purchase Private Duty Aide Services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Medicaid Child Waiver Private Duty Aide Service must be pre-authorized by the Missouri Department of Health Bureau for Special Healthcare Needs, Healthy Children and Youth (HCY) Program. Medicaid Waiver will not purchase Private Duty services for patients while in the hospital. Private Insurance eligibility requirements vary by benefit package and generally are used only in situations where doing so proves a cost savings to the insurance company by replacing more expensive hospital or nursing home care.

Additional Notes:

Private Duty Aide Service is beneficial to working parents of sick children. When a few days to a week or more away from work causes a hardship, a Private Duty Aide may be the answer. If you plan to use a Private Duty Aide when a childhood illness prevents your child from going to day care or school, but their condition is not serious, please make arrangements for care of your child in advance to avoid delays with paperwork and introductions on the day(s) services are needed.