VNA launches private-duty nursing career path

The Visiting Nurse Association’s career path for private-duty nurses supports Christiana Care’s Magnet designation. It also enhances VNA’s education and preceptor support program, “The Journey From Novice to Expert” created in 2007 to increase the number of qualified private-duty nurses caring for medically complex patients, including those with tracheostomy and ventilator dependency.

“This career path recognizes nurses for their experience, skill level, education and leadership behaviors, and provides clearly defined steps for advancement from LPN I to RN II within the private-duty specialty,” says program director Cleveland Cartwright, RN.

Statewide private-duty nursing services grew by 18 percent at VNA from 2007 to 2009 as a result of the program, which serves adult and pediatric patients in the home and school environment.

VNA is the first home-care agency in Delaware to offer this type of advancement opportunity for private-duty nurses, according to Case Management Supervisor JoEllen Workman, RN, MSN/HSA.

“VNA can continue hiring new graduates, while also offering growth potential for current staff and experienced nurses joining the agency,” Workman says. Career paths are available for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Designations include LPN I, LPN II, LPN III, RN I and RN II. VNA places all new hires in the PDN career path according to their skills and experience. Current VNA LPNs who meet the required qualifications are considered LPN IIs. Current registered nurses are now categorized as RN I.

VNA will begin accepting applications for LPN II and LPN III this October to enable nurses to meet criteria requirements. RN II designations begin June 2011. To learn more about the PDN career path or to request an application contact a case management supervisor at 800-322-4428, visit the VNA online.