Certified Home Health Aide

Job Summary: Provides health care tasks, personal hygiene services, housekeeping tasks and other related support services essential to the home health patient’s health needs under the supervision of a registered nurse or a therapist. Observes, records/documents and reports all changes and care performed to supervisor. All HHA’s must demonstrate competence in performing the necessary skills and only perform those skills on the plan of care.

The home health aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient’s care.

Reports to: Director of Patient Care Services/Registered Nurse

Essential Functions:

1. Performs home management tasks including housekeeping, laundry, shopping and errands, as necessary and appropriate.

2. Provides personal care including:

A. Baths

B. Back rubs

C. Oral hygiene

D. Shampoos

E. Changes bed linen

F. Assists patients with dressing and undressing

G. Assists the patient with toileting activities, including use of bedpan, commode or toilet

H. Keeps the patient’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate

3. Prepares and serves simple modified diets according to instruction and assists with feeding as necessary.

4. Provides routine skin care to prevent breakdown. May assist self-directing patients in applying non-prescription topical medications to skin surface.

5. Takes and records oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, weight and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).

6. Assists in ambulation and exercise, including use of cane, walker and wheelchair, according to the plan of care.

7. Collects routine specimens.

8. Cares for male external catheter. Assists with emptying of indwelling catheter care bags.

9. Assists the self-directing patient with use of oxygen equipment.

10. Assists the self-directing patient with changing a urinary diversion appliance or dressing when the ostomy is mature and stable.

11. Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management techniques. Prioritize workload so as to meet productivity standards and applicable deadlines.

12. Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency). Assists self-directing patients in performing maintenance exercise program.

13. Assists patient in the self-administration of medication as specified in the plan of care.

14. Meets safety needs of patients and uses equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.).

15. Adheres to the Organization's Policies & Procedures, documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct. Maintains a positive and respectful attitude and demeanor.

16. Completes all other duties assigned within the scope of practice.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

1. 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).

2. Meets the training requirements in accordance with state and federal laws.

3. At least 18 years of age.

4. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.

5. Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision.

6. Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

7. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.

8. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.

9. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Organization requirements and is in good working order.

10. Skills Required: Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information. Must be able to solve problems independently and confidently

Physical Job 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, such as sterile techniques.

Typical Working Conditions: Typical office environment and patient home setting

Equipment Used: Computer keyboard, telephone, Fax Machine, Copier, Projector

Essential Physical Tasks: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision is required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid orientation

Medical Specialty:

• Home Health

Work Location: On the road