Nanny Definition– A nanny is employed by a family in either a live-in or live-out basis and can be full-time or part-time. The function of a nanny is essentially to be responsible and to care for all the children in the home in a largely unsupervised setting. Duties are typically focused on childcare and any household chores or tasks related to the children. A nanny may or may not have any formal training; however, many have significant actual experience. A full-time nanny typically works at least 40 hours a week, while a part-time nanny works an average of 20 hours/week. Most live-out nannies are paid between $12-$20/hr depending on their experience level. Live-in nannies are paid between $400-$800/week plus room and board (depending on experience). Click here to find out more about what you should pay your nanny.
Newborn Nanny (Infant Specialist or Baby Nurse) – A newborn nanny is an experienced nanny with very extensive training in newborn care. She has extensive knowledge of babies, feeding and scheduling. She supports breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. She is there for nighttime feedings while the new mother gets the rest she needs. If the baby is breastfeeding, the nanny will bring the baby to the mother, help position the baby, and carry the baby back to the nursery when the baby is done.
A newborn nanny will also organize the nursery and is familiar with an apnea monitor, feeding systems and other medical equipment. She can discern problems like jaundice and reflux and alert you if these things occur. If the baby has problems with colic and has fussy periods, she knows the techniques for reducing baby discomfort and getting them to calm down. A newborn nanny will do the baby’s laundry every day and help with light housekeeping, as well as meals. She will teach you to change diapers, bathe and feed the baby, or she will do it all for you. She will hold and cradle the baby throughout the day but knows when it’s time for you to be alone with your new family. Most newborn nannies are paid between $15-$25/hr depending on their nursing backgrounds and experience.
Special Needs Nanny- There are different levels of special needs ranging from mild autism to severe physical disabilities. It is best to hire someone with special needs experience or a background in Special Education. It is possible since these types of jobs are much different than regular nanny jobs. A special needs nanny will need to understand what the special need is and what to do in different situations. They must have a calm demeaner, a natural love for helping others, be extremely patient and persistent. In addition, they must have the understanding and ability to build upon strengths and give support through weaknesses. Most special needs nannies are paid between $15-$25/hr depending on their experience and what the special need is.
Please see the definition of Caregiver to read more about some of the duties that may be required.
Tutor – A private instructor that tutors your child(ren) in your home. This person has the training and background in the subject(s) to provide correct instruction. Often this person is a teacher or undergraduate student at a university. Most tutors are paid between $15-$25/hr depending on their educational background and experience.
Housekeepers – Housekeepers work in all types of homes, from small apartments to large estate homes. The position involves daily maintenance of the home as well as heavy cleaning. Some housekeepers have formal training and others just have years of experience. A housekeeper works either full-time or part-time, on a live-in or live-out basis. Housekeepers usually work alone. Should the needs of the home demand multiple staff, they may work as a team with other housekeepers. Most housekeepers are paid between $12-$20/hr depending on their experience.
Typical responsibilities of a housekeeper include: Cleaning the interior of the home, laundry and ironing, linens, assisting with the cooking and serving of guests, making the beds, polishing the silver, organizing drawers and straightening closets, running errands including the grocery shopping, maintaining stock of cleaning and household supplies, caring for household pets, and tending to house plants.
Personal Assistants – Personal assistants are responsible for working in the employer’s home as management of the household, personal, and professional needs. Personal assistants have excellent managerial, communication and interpersonal skills. They understand protocol and etiquette and have the ability to organize and prioritize multiple activities. Most personal assistants have a Bachelor’s degree in addition to professional experience in a corporate setting. Most personal assistants are paid between $15-$25/hr depending on their educational background and experience.
Typical duties of a Personal Assistant include: handling the bills, making travel arrangements, traveling with the employer, serving as an office assistant, handling correspondence, creating inventories, organizing the office and handling media inquiries, planning special events and parties, managing construction projects or home improvements, scheduling of staff and maintenance personnel, coordinating personal schedules and daily activities, running business and personal errands, and maintaining social activities.
Caregiver– A caregiver is a person who aides either an elderly person who is chronically ill or disabled or a young person with severe physical or emotional challenges. Caregivers can live in the home or out, and can work a few hours per week or many hours per day. Caregiver duties are tailored to the individual’s needs and each caregiver job is unique. Caregivers usually make between $12-$20/hr depending on experience.
There are several common caregiver duties such as: dressing assistance, personal grooming, bathing, transferring a person to their bed, chair, toilet, vehicle etc., toileting, meal preperation and serving, receiving mail and newspapers, housekeeping, laundry and linens, transporation, errands and shopping, companionship, aiding in occupational or physical therapy, assisting in light excersise, escorting to appointments and events and participating in games and activities. Most caregivers are paid between $12-$20/hr depending on their experience and what duties are required.
Senior Companions – A companion is a person employed to accompany, assist, or live with another in the capacity of lending a helpful hand and being a caring friend. Most companions will use their own vehicle for driving (for doctor’s appointments, medication pick up, grocery shopping and running local errands) as well as help with accounting & bills. Some companions will also help with housekeeping (they usually are paid more for this). Most companions are paid between $12-$20/hr depending on their experience.
Odds n Ends Jobs– These types of jobs are usually temporary and/or revolve around specific projects. Some examples are running errands, shopping, organizing, gift wrapping, helping with packing and moving, special events and temporary childcare. These jobs can be similiar to personal assistant duties but are short term. Most odd n end jobs pay between $12-$20/hr.
Pet Sitters– Pet sitting consists of taking care of all types of pets in the comfort of their own surroundings. The purpose of pet sitting is to limit the stress of the pet while the owners are away for the weekend or a long vacation. Pets seem to do better when they are in their own home with their own bed and blanket, their own toys and their own buddies (other pets). Pet sitters provide this luxury by making daily visits to care for the pets. Some common pet sitting duties are: walking dogs, giving treats, refilling water and food bowls, snuggling and petting, playing fetch, cleaning up messes, the litter box or cages and administering medications. Most pet sitting jobs pay between $12-$20/hr depending on the duties and how often they are needed.