Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Home Health Aide (HHA)

Job Description

Job Description

Title of Position: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Home Health Aide (HHA)

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Registered Nurse/Nursing Supervisor

Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: High

Duties

1. Provides personal care and related services in the home, which is consistent with State regulations, delegated and supervised by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
2. Tasks to be performed by a CNA/HHA must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of an RN who will be responsible for client services provided by the CNA/HHA.
3. Under no circumstances may a CNA/HHA be assigned to receive or reduce any intravenous procedures, or any other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures or enemas.

Responsibilities

1. Follows the plan of care to provide safe, competent service to the client.
2. Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene and assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment.
3. Plans and prepares nutritious meals, markets when instructed to do so by the nurse.
4. Assists the client with ambulation as ordered by the physician and approved and supervised by the nurse.
5. Assists the therapy personnel as needed with rehabilitative processes.
6. Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the nursing service plan.
7. Attempts to promote client's mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest.
8. Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household and establishes a relationship with client and family which transmits trust and confidentiality.
9. Reports any change in the client's mental or physical condition or in the home situation to the staff nurse, or to the Aide supervisor.
10. Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, as instructed by the professional nurse.
11. Prepares a visit report promptly and incorporates same in the clinical record weekly.
12. Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits so that other necessary visits by staff members can be coordinated.
13. Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the client's service as directed by the nurse.
14. Attends in-service as required by regulation and agency policy.
15. Notifies the Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed service with the agency.

Job Conditions

1. The ability to drive and the ability to access clients' homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.
2. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client's condition and to perform client care.
3. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
4. Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, in English.

Equipment Operation

Use of BP cuff, thermometer and stethoscope. Hand washing materials.

Confidentiality of Information

Has access to all client medical records which may be discussed with the Registered Nurse and the Nursing Supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Preferably a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must have successfully completed a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program and be certified by the appropriate authority as a certified nursing assistant. Competency areas include: ambulation and transfer of clients including positioning; assistance with bathing, toileting, grooming, shaving, dental care, dressing and eating; basic first aid and CPR; caring for clients with special conditions and needs; home management; home safety and sanitation; infection control in the home; medically related activities to include the taking of vital signs; and proper nutrition.
3. Must be free from health problems that may be injurious to client, self and co-workers and must present appropriate evidence to substantiate this.
4. Must comprehend the basics of personal care, housekeeping and meal preparation.
5. Must understand and respect clients including ethics and confidentiality.
6. Must have cleared background screening.
7. Must have current CPR certification.