Skilled care at home
A private nurse at home in New Jersey and New York
Some needs are beyond an aide: wound care, injections, a new feeding tube, or watching a parent closely after surgery. A private duty nurse comes to the home for a visit or a full shift.
You don't pay. There's no fee.
Nurse visit or nurse shift
- RN visit: a registered nurse comes for a set task, such as an assessment, a dressing change, setting up medications or teaching the family. Usually priced per visit.
- RN shift: a nurse stays for several hours or overnight, common in the first days home after a hospital stay or surgery. Priced by the hour.
- An aide plus nurse visits is a common mix: the aide covers the day, the nurse checks in on the skilled tasks.
What a private nurse can do that an aide cannot
- Assess a parent after a hospital stay and watch for warning signs.
- Wound and ostomy care, injections, IV and catheter care where the agency allows it.
- Set up and review medications, and explain changes to the family.
- Talk with the doctor's office and the aide about the care plan.
Private duty nursing vs Medicare home health
Medicare can cover short, doctor-ordered skilled home health visits after a qualifying event, through a Medicare-certified home health agency. It does not cover private duty nursing shifts or ongoing hourly care.
Families add private nursing when they want more hours than Medicare allows, a nurse overnight, or a nurse for a parent who does not qualify. Ask the discharge planner what Medicare will cover first.
What it costs to plan for
The CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey puts the median hourly rate for skilled nursing in the home at $105 in New Jersey and $120 in New York. The national median was $90 an hour and $160 per visit. Agencies near New York City often quote more.
We do not publish any agency's prices. Each agency quotes its own rate and minimum in writing, and we ask you to get that before care starts.
Licensed, and how to check
Nurses hold a license from the New Jersey Board of Nursing or the New York State Education Department. You can look up any nurse's license online by name. Ask the agency for the nurse's license before the first visit.
How we help
Tell us what the doctor or discharge planner said is needed. We introduce licensed private-pay agencies that offer RN visits and shifts in your parent's area, and you choose. You don't pay. There's no fee. Call (201) 686-8232 if the need is today.
Tell us what nursing is needed
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
- Does Medicare pay for a private nurse?
- Not for private duty shifts. Medicare covers limited, doctor-ordered skilled home health visits after a qualifying event. Private duty nursing is private pay, and some long term care insurance policies help.
- Can we get a nurse for just one visit?
- Yes. Many agencies offer single RN visits for an assessment, medication setup or a dressing change.
- Do families pay you?
- You don't pay. There's no fee. A licensed agency may pay us a referral fee after a successful private-pay start of care. We do not take a fee on Medicaid funded care.
Ways to start
Sit with us first. Then pick the home.
- Call (201) 686-8232. Best for an immediate need such as a discharge this week.
- Take the two minute care quiz
- See how we help families
- Print the tour question checklist
- Communities and agencies: partner with us
Informational and referral only. Not medical, legal, or insurance advice. We do not operate communities or employ aides, and we do not publish community prices, waitlists, or bed counts. Verify licensing and current rates with each community or agency.
This site is not medical or financial advice. Confirm coverage with the plan or the state Medicaid office. Facility fees are set by the community.