Skilled nursing is clinical
Skilled nursing refers to clinical services performed by a licensed nurse. Depending on the care arrangement and authorized scope, this can include observations, teaching, treatment support, or communication with other providers. Some nursing services require a provider order and must meet payer or program rules.
Personal care supports daily routines
Personal care focuses on activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, meals, and other routines. The work is important, but it is not the same as a clinical nursing task.
Some people need both
A person may need nursing for a defined clinical purpose and personal care for day-to-day support. An assessment helps separate those needs and identify who is appropriately qualified to provide each task.
A note about this guide
This draft is educational and has not yet received the clinical review listed above. It should not be used for diagnosis, treatment decisions, or emergency guidance.
Ask about a general care need
