TITLE OF POSITION: HOME HEALTH AIDE
TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF NURSING/SUPERVISOR
POSITION SUMMARY:
The home health aide provides personal care and related services in the home. She functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the staff nurse and the Director of Nursing and/or appropriate supervisor and other duties as deemed necessary.
REQUIREMENTS:
Preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Personal care service personnel successfully complete a minimum of 75 hours of training which includes an introduction to personal care services, and knowledge of:
Overall responsibilities and limitations including but not limited to Assisting clients to achieve maximum self-reliance; Communication techniques; Client’s rights including ethics and confidentiality of care; Observation of client status; The physical and developmental characteristics of clients served by the Home Health Aide; Basic elements of body function; Reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration; Recognizing emergencies and appropriate response in an emergency; Emotional problems of illness; the care of children, the aged, chronically ill, disabled, and acutely ill clients; Nutrition, fluid intake, and meal preparation; Bathing and personal care techniques; Maintenance of skin integrity; Infection control; Transfers, ambulation, positioning, and passive exercise; Procedures for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthful environment; Changes in client’s condition that should be reported; Emergency measures procedures; Philosophy and mission of the organization and the role of the health team; Procedures as an extension of skilled nursing or therapy services; CPR technique, if required; Assistance with medications that are self-administered; Documentation on appropriate records.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Tasks to be performed by an HHA must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of an RN who will be responsible for the patient care provided by the HHA. Under no circumstances may an HHA be assigned to receive or reduce any intravenous procedures, procedures involving the use of Levin’s tubes or Foley catheters, or any other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures or enemas. Except as otherwise noted, duties of the HHA includes the following:
1. Follows the plan of care and utilizes the above teaching to provide, safe, competent care to the client providing the following:
2. Helps the patient to maintain good personal hygiene
3. Assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment
4. Plans and prepares nutritious meals. Markets when instructed to do so by the nurse.
5. Assists the patient with ambulation
6. Assists with certain treatments as ordered by the physician and approved and supervised by the nurse.
7. Assists the therapy personnel as needed with rehabilitative processes
8. Encourages the patient to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan
9. Assisting with medications that are ordinarily self-administered (as allowed according to state regulations).
10. Attempts to promote patient’s mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest
11. Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the patient and other members of the household
12. Establishes a relationship with patient and family which transmits trust and confidentiality
13. Prepares a report of her visit on the day it is performed and incorporates same in the clinical record weekly or as directed
14. Reports any change in the patient’s mental or physical condition or in his home situation to her immediate supervisor, the staff nurse, or to the aide supervisor
15. Carries out her assignment as instructed by the nurse or the paramedical team and reports to the nurse when she is unable to do so
16. Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the patient’s care as directed by the staff nurse
17. Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, as instructed by the professional nurse
18. Attends in-service as required by state and federal regulations
19. Confirming on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director, to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel
20. Notifying the Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings, which will affect agreed service with the Agency
JOB CONDITIONS
The position requires the ability to travel extensively in a geographic area. If traveling is by automobile, a copy of driver’s license must be supplied. Must be able to access client’s homes, which will not be routinely wheelchair accessible. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client’s condition and to perform and demonstrate client care. There must be the ability to give and receive information orally. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; life and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Use of BP cuff, thermometer and stethoscope.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Access to client’s medical records, which may be discussed with the Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing.
