Making the transition from being in a hospital or facility can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time for patients. If you’ve chosen to receive private duty nursing (PDN) care after discharge, you probably have many questions about what to expect during your transition. We’ve compiled some helpful information to make this process a little easier.

What to expect while you’re in the facility

Most hospitals and care facilities will have a case manager, social worker or discharge planner who will help coordinate services before your discharge. This person will work with key providers to obtain prescriptions and durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hospital beds, which you might need at home. Once you’ve chosen Maxim Healthcare Services (“Maxim”) to be your PDN provider, the case manager will also work with Maxim to coordinate insurance benefits.

The hospital or facility staff should meet with you to provide training and education about your needs and future care. Your Maxim private duty nurse will later reference this information as part of your care plan.

A Maxim representative will meet with you and your loved ones to fully understand your needs and answer any questions you have. You should discuss any special circumstances, such as pets, allergies or personal preferences, at this time. Afterward, the Maxim representative will work with your facility case manager, social worker or discharge planner to review necessary clinical information, including your medical history, list of medications and physician’s orders.

What to do before leaving the facility

Private duty nursing care can be paid for by Medicaid, private insurance or private funds.. If you are planning to use insurance, please make sure it has been reviewed and that PDN services have been pre-approved.

Ask your loved ones to make necessary arrangements for transporting you home from the facility. This may include working with the facility case manager for a medical transport. Your loved ones should also designate a space in the home where your nurse can comfortably provide care. Having your area set up ahead of time will make your arrival day much smoother and help you settle in easier.

Settling in at home

After successfully transitioning from your facility back to your home, Maxim’s PDN services can begin. An admission visit will occur once you’re home and before shift nursing begins, which will help build your plan of care. In addition to providing skilled and compassionate care, your Maxim nurse will communicate any change in your condition to your physicians and care team, promote education in the home, and assist with home medical equipment and appointments. You and your family can access on-call support whenever you need it – 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Maxim’s PDN services

Private duty nursing, or PDN, is long-term comprehensive hourly home nursing care. At Maxim, we offer PDN care to assist adult and pediatric patients with complex medical needs. Your team of nurses, clinicians and physicians will use their experience to provide a full spectrum of care coordination. As your needs change, so do our services.

PDN services we provide include:

  • Ventilator and tracheostomy care
  • G-tube management
  • Diabetes management
  • Seizure management
  • Oxygen management
  • TPN infusion
  • Administering medications and therapies

Contact your local office to learn more about Maxim’s private duty nursing services.