Private Duty

MediNurse covers services from CNAs to RNs in Greater St. Louis
Craig McKnight still sees raised eyebrows when he tells healthcare providers that MediNurse handles private duty nursing needs from drop-by companions, to round-the-clock registered nurses. He often gets a second look when he tells healthcare professionals that MediNurse employees not only go into patients’ homes, but also to hospitals and assisted living facilities. Usually by the time he tells them that all employees are MediNurse staff members, and not contract workers or traveling nurses passing through St. Louis, they’re shaking their heads.
“I hear that many doctors don’t know the various private duty services that are available for their patients,” said McKnight, vice president of private duty and corporate health divisions for St. Louis-based MediNurse (www.medinurse.com). “For example, most private duty companies don’t offer RNs. Also, traditional private duty nursing is based on a family needing care for several hours at home or in the hospital. We offer everything from around the clock care by an RN to our ‘Good Morning,’ ‘Good Afternoon,’ ‘Good Evening’ and ‘Goodnight’ plans, where our staff will assist as needed. A patient may need help getting up, and perhaps having breakfast made, or taking an afternoon walk, or getting their dinner meal, or getting ready for bed.”
McKnight pointed out that MediNurse staffs CNAs (certified nursing assistants), LPNs (licensed practical nurses), RNs, and companions within a 50-mile radius of the St. Louis metro area.
“All employees go through an extensive background check and training program,” he said. “We do an annual skills update with every employee to keep them updated with the latest and best practices in the medical profession.”
Carolynn Ingerson-Hoffman founded MediNurse in 1985 as CompreHealth Inc. A decade ago, the name was changed to MediNurse to reflect its familial relationship with MediEquip Inc., a provider of medical equipment and supplies in Greater St. Louis. Now, MediNurse is a leading local provider of corporate health, supplemental staffing, private duty, and signature services. 
Ingerson-Hoffman currently serves as a member of the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College Board of Directors. She is a past president of the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, was named an Outstanding Alumni, and placed on the College Alumni Honor Roll. In 2002, Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing recognized her with the President’s Award.
McKnight joined MediNurse in 2004, after a stint beginning in 1983 at Normandy Hospital, where he wore various hats, eventually rising to hospital supply buyer. In 1992, he established his own business, patenting products related to the hunting/outdoor industry. In 2003, he licensed his patents to another company and began talking with Ingerson-Hoffman about marketing MediNurse.
“One of the biggest misperceptions about our company is that we don’t come into hospitals,” said McKnight. “We answer quite a few requests from hospitals, and we want primary healthcare providers to use us as a resource. We also work in conjunction with hospice companies. Many times, a family member of a hospice patient needs extra help, and we’re here to ease the burden.”
Also helpful: MediNurse doesn’t have a minimum requirement for booking their services, except private duty.
“For some patients, we go once a week to help them fill their weekly prescription container,” said McKnight, adding that rates vary, depending on signature or hourly services. “We work with patients and their families who have budget needs. If they need the care, we’ll work with them somehow to get it done.”
 
RELATED STORY: MediNurse Introduces New Biometric-based Wellness Testing
MediNurse recently rolled out a new biometric-based wellness plan, created via a comprehensive health screening process.
“Not only is the new plan imperative for employee health, but this will also save employers and employees hundreds of dollars on insurance premiums,” said Craig McKnight, vice president of private duty and corporate health divisions for the St. Louis-based nurse staffing firm.
Health-related biometric measurements may include a lipid profile, with a small blood sample taken by a simple finger stick yielding results within five minutes. A 10-year risk of coronary artery disease may also be performed. Body mass index and blood pressure checks are also included in a basic biometric screening.
“Biometric-based wellness plans are essential to organizations and employees,” said McKnight. “This health screening might be the only medical checkup employees get all year. Results are determined within minutes and are provided to the employee. We can also provide a certified health coach that can discuss results in detail with individual employees.”
Insurance carriers are climbing on board the new trend, McKnight noted.
“Carriers are realizing that employers need to curb the skyrocketing costs of health insurance,” he said. “Insurance carriers are looking to be proactive and to offer services to keep costs down by promoting health and wellness.”
By choosing a biometric-based healthcare plan for an organization, an employer may save up to $1,000 or more annually in medical insurance. For example, an employer may be able to reduce the deductible plan per employee by choosing to have annual biometric testing performed. Other insurance plans reduce monthly premiums to the employer and the employee, said McKnight.
“Wellness programs reduce absenteeism due to illness,” he said, “which can save employers thousands of dollars each year. They also increase productivity with improved employee morale.”