Health Watch Hospice

Job Title/Position: Certified Home Health Aide

Reports To: Director of Nurses

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The home health aide is a paraprofessional 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 patient's needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities of the home health aide include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Providing personal care including:
   1. Baths
   2. Back rubs
   3. Oral hygiene
   4. Shampoos
   5. Changing bed linen
   6. Dressing and undressing patients/clients
   7. Skin care and prevention of skin breakdown
   8. Toileting activities
   9. Keeping patient's/client's living area clean and orderly, as appropriate
2. Preparing nutritious meals.
3. Assisting in feeding the patient/client, if necessary.
4. Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
5. Assisting in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
6. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
7. Assisting patient/client in the self-administration of medication.
8. Meeting safety needs of patients/clients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, restraints, etc.).
9. Reporting on patient's/client's condition and significant changes to the assigned Case Manager.
10. Adhering to the Agency's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
11. Participates in public relations and community activities that promote the Agencies role as an effective member of the health care delivery system.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

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 nurse, specifi­cally sterile techniques.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Community home environment

2. Exposure to infectious diseases
3. In and out of automobile
4. This position has been designated Class I (see policy 9-001). Employees performing Class I duties may be involved in potential exposure to blood borne pathogens. All Class I employees will be offered Hepatitis B vaccination at no expense to the employee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Is certified by the State Department of Health and placed on the Home Health Aide registry.

2. Is in good standing with the State Nurse Aide registry as a Home Health Aide.
3. Has successfully completed the agency’s written competency exam and skills demonstrations.
4. Is at least 18 years of age.
5. Possesses and maintains good physical stamina and mental health. Prior to patient contact, presents a pre-employment health clearance.
6. Has ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
7. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision.
8. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
9. Is flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligation.
10. 1Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
11. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Agency requirements and is in good working order.

{Note: Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training program that meets the requirements of CFR 484.36(a) and a competency evalu­ation program, or state licensure program that meets the requirements of CFR 484.36(b), or a competency evaluation program or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b).}

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.

2. Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity, which may include heavy lifting and extensive bending and standing.
3. Ability to deal effectively with stress.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Agency personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, agency personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job related skills and abilities. All agency personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.

I have read, and fully understand all information in the above job description. I meet the stated job qualifications, and am mentally and physically able to perform the responsibilities and duties of the above job description.