Home Health Aide

Home Health Aide

REPORTS TO: ADM/DON/ADON/RN Case Manager

POSITION SUMMARY :

Provides personal care services under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The Home Health Aide is assigned to specific clients by the Registered Nurse or other appropriate professional and performs services for clients as necessary to maintain their personal comfort.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Successful completion of a formal certification training program and/or a written skills test and competency evaluation.
• Good verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and follow a written Plan of Care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Performs delegated nursing task under the scope of practice for a Home Health Aide as an extension of nursing services under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs personal care activities.
• Performs household services essential to health care at home.
• Assists in the administration of medications that are ordinarily self-administered under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse (per state nurse practice laws and Agency policy).
• Reports any observed or reported changes in the client's condition and/or needs to the Registered Nurse. Follows reporting guidelines in the Plan of Care.
• Documents care provided and completes the forms required for the client's records. Completes the appropriate records to document care given and pertinent observations. Submits documentation per Agency requirements —daily.
• Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices, following Agency guidelines, and reporting unsafe situations to the Supervisor/RN Case Manager.
• Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment. Does not use equipment until orientation about its operation has been provided. Notifies supervisor of educational needs.
• Communicates effectively with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings, and team conferences, as requested.
• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Attends in-service programs to meet compliance requirements. Identifies learning needs to Agency supervisor.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Accepts responsibility to ensure compliance with the requirements for Occupational Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens

Working Conditions & Physical Effort :

• Work is performed in a home environment.
• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens and/or other potentially infectious or hazardous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Able to constantly grasp with thumb in opposition to fingers of palm, i.e., manipulate pen, knobs, or objects.
• Medium physical activity that may require occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs. in order to carry out daily job functions and related activities that may be required.