Home Health Aide

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Home Health Aide is a member of the Nurse Next Door team and works under the supervision of the Home Health Services Director or the Clinical Nurse Manager and performs personal care services as necessary to meet the client's needs. The Home Health Aide is responsible for observing clients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

The Home Health Aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a client's care.

JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities of the Home Health Aide include, but are not limited to the following:

Provide client care as directed by the Home Health Services Director/Clinical Nurse Manager

Provides personal care:

• Bathing
• Grooming, including oral care
• Assists the client with dressing and undressing
• Assists the client with toileting activities
• Assists in feeding the client, if necessary
• Feeds clients who are unable to feed themselves
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure)
• Measures and record height and weight, if necessary.
• Supports good skin care to prevent skin breakdown (i.e. turn and reposition client, actively encourage movement)
• Assists client with active and passive range of motions as defined by the plan of care
• Provides client with help walking and transferring
• Observes client's physical, mental and emotional conditions
• Reports any change to the supervisor
• Documents observed changes
• Measures and documents intake and output, if necessary
• Assists client in the self-administration of medication (medication reminder)
• Performs light housekeeping
• Performs meal preparation and clean up
• Changes bed linens and make up the client's bed
• Maintains an orderly client environment.
• Follows principles of infection control and Universal Precautions.
• Identifies and participates in performance improvement activities.
• Assists in providing a safe environment and promote quality patient care through adherence to established policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensures client's rights are adhered to. These include but are not limited to:
• the right to privacy and dignity while care is being provided
• the right to accept or refuse care
• the right to confidentiality of their information
• Responds rapidly and appropriately in an emergency situation
• Uses equipment properly and in a safe manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful completion of a Home Health Aide training certificate program.

If a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is registered with the State Board of Nursing in Arizona

Valid Level 1 fingerprint clearance

Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience required.

Certified in CPR and First Aid

Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray

Empathy for the needs of the client

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to express spoken and/or written ideas in English

Treats clients, staff and the public with courtesy, respect and presents a positive public image.

Works as a team member

Ensures confidentiality and security of the client's medical information.

JOB LIMITATIONS:

The Home Health Aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the State's Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the Home Health Aide will not administer medications, take physician's orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a licensed nurse.

ENVIRONMENT, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Working Conditions: Contact with clients under a wide variety of circumstances. Care provided in a client's living environment with varying situations or in an institution such as a hospital. May be required to respond in an emergency situation.

Travel required. Position includes tasks that have the potential for exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) such as body fluids/tissues.

Personal Protective Equipment: May include gloves, mask, eye protection, and disposable outer covering.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, squat, bend, kneel, reach, twist, push and pull. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.