Caregiver

Position Responsibilities Summary

A Caregiver is a member of the home care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the client's needs. The Caregiver will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a client.

Supervisory Roles

Directly Supervises: N/A

Indirectly Supervises: N/A

Key Leadership, Management, and Accountabilities

Provide client services as directed by the Director of Nursing or Registered Nurse Supervisor.

Core Competencies

The Caregiver must demonstrate and execute the following position specific competencies to ensure effective, profitable, and client-centered agency operations.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

1. Provide client services as directed by the Director of Nursing or Registered Nurse Supervisor.
2. Provide personal care to the client as applicable, including but not limited to:
   1. Bathing and personal hygiene;
   2. Grooming, including oral care;
   3. Assist the client with dressing and undressing;
   4. Assist the client with toileting activities;
   5. Perform light housekeeping;
   6. Change bed linens and make up the client's bed;
   7. Maintain an orderly client environment;
   8. Perform meal preparation and clean up;
   9. Assist in feeding the client, if necessary;
   10. Feed clients who are unable to feed themselves;
   11. Assist client in the self-administration of medication (medication reminders);
   12. Support good skin care to prevent skin breakdown (i.e., turn and reposition client; actively encourage movement).
   13. Assist client with active and passive range of motions as defined by the plan of care.
   14. Provide client with help walking and transferring.
   15. Take and record vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
   16. Measure and record height and weight.
   17. Measure and document intake and output, as required.
3. Assist in providing a safe environment for the client and promote quality client care through adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.
4. Assist client in walking and transportation to doctor appointments, outdoor activities, shopping
5. Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions.
6. Respond rapidly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
7. Use equipment properly and in a safe manner.
8. Ensure client's rights are adhered to, including but not limited to:
   1. the right to privacy and dignity while care is being provided;
   2. the right to accept or refuse care;
   3. the right to confidentiality of the client's information.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Registration/Licensing/Certifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Current CPR Certification.
3. Current physical or Tuberculosis test (TB/TST/PPD tests, if applicable)
4. Valid licensed driver with reliable transportation
5. Valid state required proof of auto insurance
   Experience, Skills, Knowledge:
6. Minimum of one year of documented experience
7. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively
8. Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision
9. Empathy for the needs of the client
10. Treat clients, families, staff, and the public with courtesy and respect; presents a positive public image.
11. Works as a team member.
12. Ensures confidentiality and security of the client's medical information.
    Travel:
13. Travel to client homes/sites within local or regional territory, and/or as needed for various staff and client care services.
14. Up to 10% or as directed based on the needs of the business and attending job required training and conferences.
15. Must have reliable transportation.

Job Limitations

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

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position may involve any or all of the following (not a complete list):

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand walk, squat, bend, kneel, reach, twist, push, and pull. Varied assistance is required depending on the ability of the client. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Visual and hearing acuity required.
• Personal Protective Equipment: May include gloves, mask, eye/face protection, and disposable outer covering.

Work Environment

• Client's Environment: Contact with clients under a wide variety of circumstances. Care provided in client's living environment with varying situations or in an institution such as a hospital. May be required to respond to emergency situations. Position includes tasks that have the potential for exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material ("OPIM") such as body fluids/tissues.
• Office Environment: high-paced office environment; continuous phone use/ringing; talking; various noise levels; interactions with employees and clients; sitting and standing for long periods of time; using a computer for extended periods: typing, staring at a bright monitor or TV screen; using fingers, wrists, and arms; stress on back may occur; possible exposure to prescription drugs, bodily fluids, small appliances for cooking, cooling, and heating foods or securely storing medications.

IMPORTANT: Consideration or use of this document does not create an attorney-client relationship with Polsinelli. Similarly, this form document does not constitute the giving of legal advice, nor is it a substitute for specific legal advice as each employer must consider many different issues when drafting legal and other employment documents based on their unique circumstances and objectives. We accordingly strongly recommend that you contact a Polsinelli or other attorney to determine if this document, as drafted, is appropriate for your use.