Home Health Aide

Home Health Aide

Primary function is to provide personal healthcare and related services as an extension of nursing or therapy services to the patient in their place of residence; to assist in providing a safe and clean environment; work cooperatively with the patient, caregiver(s), and family; and share observations and problems with the supervisor. Works under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse.

Reports to: Patient Care Manager

Job Qualifications:

Education: High school graduate, preferred. Licensure: Must have a current driver's license.

Experience: At least one (1) year of experience preferred as a Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant in a hospital, nursing home, or home health agency. Must have successfully completed a state-established or other training and competency evaluation program that meets state and federal requirements, or a competency evaluation program that meets state and federal requirements, or a state licensure program that meets state and federal requirements for aide training and competency evaluation. An individual is not considered to have completed a training and competency evaluation program, or a competency evaluation program if, since the individual's most recent completion of this program(s), there has been a continuous period of 24 consecutive months during none of which the individual furnished home health aide services described in 42 CFR 409.45 for compensation.

Skills: Must be able to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, and caregiver(s), as well as to other Agency staff. Demonstrates interest in the welfare of the ill and elderly. Proof of current CPR certification. Successful completion of the Aide Competency Evaluation Skills Checklist and written Skills Test.

Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in patients' homes in various conditions; possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases; ability to work a flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather.

Physical and Mental Effort:

Prolonged standing and walking required, with ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions, and to meet patient and family psychosocial needs. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Ability to use durable medical equipment in the home.

Essential Functions:

Provides direct patient services that are ordered by the physician, included in the plan of care, permitted to be performed under state law, and consistent with the home health aide training. Provides care under the direction and supervision of the RN or therapist and in accordance with the Home Health Aide Care Plan.

Provides hands-on personal care and support services as assigned and according to the Agency policies.

Provides assistance to patients with ambulation, safe transfers, and exercises as assigned and per the Agency policies.

Provides assistance with medications ordinarily self-administered. This assistance is limited to getting water or fluids for the patient to take medication.

Appropriately reports changes in the patient's condition to a registered nurse or other appropriate skilled professional and documents pertinent information and care rendered to patients to ensure continuity of care.

Practices in accordance with accepted infection control principles. Provides a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.

Promotes positive, supportive, and respectful communication with patients, caregiver(s), families, and other employees.

Provides an environment which promotes respect for patients and their privacy and property.

Provides necessary assistance to patients with proper nutrition and adequate fluid intake.

Contributes to the management and efficient operation of the Agency and demonstrates effective time management skills.

Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by attending 12 hours of in-services per year.

Promotes the Agency philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care.