Private Duty Nurse (Pediatric Home Care, Trach and Vent RN or LPN) Recruiters

What do we check before you see anyone?

License and assignment scope: Ask, “Which nursing license do you hold, and where is it active?” Screen the license against the work location. Discuss any restrictions and whether the proposed assignment fits RN or LPN scope. Pediatric tracheostomy experience: Ask, “What tracheostomy care did you personally perform on your recent pediatric assignments?”

• Useful answers distinguish hands-on duties from observation and describe following orders, checking supplies, and recognizing when clinical help was needed.
• Ventilator experience: Ask, “Which ventilators have you used, and how did you respond to alarms?” Look for equipment familiarity, prescribed-setting boundaries, escalation, and an honest account of training still needed for your assignment.
• Unexpected changes: Ask, “If a child's condition changes during a home shift, how do you decide whom to contact?” A useful answer follows the child's emergency plan and explains communication, documentation, and action within nursing scope.
• Caregiver boundaries: Ask, “How would you respond if a parent requested care that differed from the orders?” Listen for respectful clarification, contact with the supervising clinician, and accurate documentation rather than agreement simply to avoid conflict.
• Shift handoff: Ask, “What would you review before accepting responsibility for this child?” Strong answers cover current orders, recent changes, equipment, supplies, medications, and emergency contacts. Ask how the nurse reports unresolved concerns to the next caregiver.

Which mistakes stall the search?

A common mistake is treating adult ventilator experience as complete preparation for a pediatric case. Compare the candidate's actual patient population, equipment experience, and care duties with your assignment before deciding what orientation must cover. You complete your own credentialing and clinical assessment before assigning care.