At 24/7 Nursing + Medical Services, we provide both agency staffing for healthcare organisations and private nursing and care for individuals and families. The difference is how the service is arranged and who the care is for.
Agency staffing for hospitals and aged care facilities
Agency staffing is usually booked by a hospital, aged care facility or other organisation to fill a staffing need. This might be to cover leave, support a busy ward or provide staff with particular experience.
The agency nurse joins the facility’s team for an agreed shift and cares for the patients or residents allocated to them. They work within the facility’s procedures and the responsibilities of their assigned role. Some agency bookings may involve dedicated one-to-one care.
If a hospital brings in an agency nurse, it does not automatically mean that nurse will be allocated exclusively to your family member. The hospital determines the assignment.
Private nursing for an individual
Private nursing is arranged specifically for a person who needs dedicated nursing support. It can be provided at home, in hospital or in an aged care facility. The booking is organised around that person’s assessed needs, preferences and agreed hours of care.
A private nurse may support recovery after surgery, provide ongoing clinical care at home or give additional one-to-one nursing attention during a hospital stay. The nurse’s duties depend on the person’s care plan, the setting and their qualifications and scope of practice.
A private nurse can also be supplied through a nursing agency. “Private” describes the individual care arrangement; “agency” describes how the nurse is supplied. They are not different nursing qualifications.
Private nursing in hospital or aged care
Families sometimes arrange additional support for a loved one during a hospital admission or while they are living in an aged care facility. This may include nursing observation, personal care, reassurance and communication with the facility’s team, according to the agreed role.
Private staff work alongside the facility’s doctors, nurses and care team. They do not take over treatment decisions or replace the facility’s responsibility for the person’s care.
Before care begins, the facility must approve the arrangement. Duties, reporting, documentation and escalation of concerns need to be clear, including which clinical tasks the private nurse is authorised to undertake.
Learn more about arranging a private nurse in hospital.
Choosing between a nurse and a carer
Choosing the right staff member is a separate decision from choosing the care arrangement. Not everyone who needs extra support needs a nurse.
Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse. Clinical nursing needs should be assessed so the appropriate nurse can be selected. Tasks must suit the nurse’s qualifications, competence and scope of practice, with the supervision and clinical arrangements required for the role.
Assistant in Nursing or carer. Someone who mainly needs help with personal care, daily routines, meals or companionship may be better supported by an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or carer. AINs and carers provide support in a different role from Registered and Enrolled Nurses. Their duties must match their training and the agreed care arrangements.
We discuss the person’s needs before recommending staff. Where nursing care is required, it should be provided by an appropriately qualified nurse. Where personal support is needed, an AIN or carer may be the more suitable option.
Private nursing and care at home
At home, support may be needed for a short recovery period or as part of a longer-term care arrangement. Some people need clinical nursing care. Others need practical assistance with daily activities, or a combination of both.
The care plan should make clear what support is needed, who will provide it, how care will be coordinated and what happens if needs change. Regular bookings can help build familiarity with the person’s routines and preferences.
We can assist with hospital to home care and ongoing support at home.
Finding the right support
You do not need to know the correct job title before contacting us. Tell us where the person is receiving care, what they need help with and when support is required. We can help identify both the right care arrangement and the appropriate staff member.
For healthcare organisations, we supply staff to fill agreed roles and shifts. For individuals and families, we arrange dedicated nursing and care tailored to the person’s needs.
For a no-obligation conversation, contact our team or call 02 9314 7744.
