What Is a Private Duty Nurse?
A private duty nurse (PDN) is a PRC-licensed Registered Nurse hired exclusively to care for one patient — at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility. Unlike ward nurses who handle multiple patients, a PDN focuses entirely on your family member.
In the Philippines, RNs are regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) under Republic Act 9173. Any nurse you hire should have a valid PRC license — verify this before letting anyone into your home.
Private Duty Nurse Rates in Metro Manila (2025)
Per Shift (12 Hours — Standard)
| Provider Type | Typical Rate | What They Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ₱2,500 – ₱3,500 | Full clinical care, IV therapy, wound dressing, post-surgical |
| Registered Midwife | ₱1,800 – ₱2,500 | Newborn care, postpartum, moderately complex cases |
| Underboard Nurse | ₱1,500 – ₱1,800 | Basic nursing, monitoring — no board exam |
| Certified Caregiver (TESDA NC II) | ₱1,200 – ₱2,000 | Daily living support, companionship, elder care |
Per Visit (Short Procedures, 1–3 Hours)
| Service | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Wound dressing | ₱800 – ₱1,200 |
| IV insertion / Hep-lock | ₱800 – ₱1,200 |
| Foley catheter insertion/removal | ₱800 – ₱1,200 |
| Newborn care visit | ₱800 – ₱1,200 |
| Post-surgical monitoring visit | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 |
**VisitCare starting rates:** RN from ₱800/visit · PT from ₱1,000/visit · MD from ₱2,500/visit.
What Affects the Rate?
License type and specialization. A PRC-licensed RN commands a higher rate than an underboard nurse or caregiver — and for good reason. For complex cases (post-surgery, ICU step-down, stroke recovery), always hire a licensed RN.
Shift length. Most registries price per 12-hour shift (day or night). Shorter visits for procedures like wound dressing are priced as flat rates.
Case complexity. Cancer care, dementia, and ICU-level home care typically command higher rates. Always disclose your patient's condition upfront.
Holiday surcharges. Some providers charge 30–100% extra on public holidays. Confirm this before booking.
How you book. Traditional registries require phone calls during office hours. Online platforms like VisitCare show all rates before you confirm — no callback required.
Traditional Registry vs. Online Platform
Most families in Metro Manila have historically used phone-based nursing registries. Here's how the two approaches compare:
Traditional registry:
- Call during office hours (9AM–4PM)
- Describe your patient's condition
- Wait for a callback with available options
- Confirm by phone, pay in cash
- No way to review or rate your nurse
VisitCare:
- Browse verified providers 24/7
- See rates and credentials before booking
- Confirm instantly, pay via GCash/Maya/card
- Full visit record and rating system
- In-app dispute resolution if needed
What to Verify Before Booking a Home Nurse
Before booking, always confirm:
Valid PRC license — verify the number at the PRC LERIS portal. No license = do not hire.
NBI clearance — a nurse entering your home should have a current clearance. This is standard for reputable registries and platforms.
BLS certification — Basic Life Support is essential, especially for elderly, post-surgical, or critically ill patients.
Professional insurance — ask if the provider carries liability insurance. If not, legal recourse is limited if something goes wrong.
Clear dispute process — know what happens if you're not satisfied before you book, not after.
The Bottom Line
Private duty nurse rates in Metro Manila range from ₱1,200 for a caregiver to ₱3,500 for a specialized RN per 12-hour shift. What matters more than the rate is the verification behind the provider.