Home Health Aide
- Supervised by: Homecare Nurse
- Supervises: None
Job Summary:
Under the direction and supervision of the Homecare Nurse or designee/Registered Nurse, responsible for providing and assisting participants with activities of daily living, restorative and supportive care necessary to the preservation of the home environment. Assists in monitoring and reporting the health status and providing a safe environment for the participants.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education/Training/Certifications:
- High School diploma or GED.
- Current Home Health Aide Certification.
- Current driver’s license with proof of auto insurance.
- Safe driving record.
Skills and knowledge:
- Knowledge of principles, practices, standards and techniques of a certified home health aide
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment
- Knowledge of medical equipment use and maintenance.
- Skilled in establishing and maintain effective working relationships with patients, co-workers, medical staff and the public.
- Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Experience:
Minimum of 1 year working with the frail or elderly.
Medical Clearance:
Employees must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.
Competency:
Position specific competencies for the Nurse Practitioner will be met prior to assuming participant care.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment
Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.
Physical Requirements
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Must be able to communicate with all staff, vendors, and clients. Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment. Requires lifting/carrying up to 65lbs and pushing or pulling 150lbs using appropriate body mechanics and equipment.
Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.
Pressure Factor
Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.
Environmental Conditions
May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Consult each day with the Homecare Nurse to be updated on participant’s status, changes in care plan and to confirm scheduled visits.
Under the direction and supervision of the Homecare Nurse or designee/Registered Nurse and following the plan of care, assist participants in the home with the following duties:
Personal hygiene such as skin, mouth, hair care and bathing.
Transfers in and out of bed assisting with ambulation.
Assist with prescribed exercise as instructed by the rehab staff or nursing supervisor.
Prepare meals, including special diets as directed by the nursing supervisor and assist participants with meals and/or feeding when needed or as instructed.
Assist participants to the bathroom or in using commodes, bedpans or urinals.
Assist participants with medications by cueing.
Other duties taught by a health professional for a specific participant such as: taking vital signs, changing colostomy bags, changing of non-sterile dressing and non-sterile bowel and bladder hygiene care.
Perform directed household services.
Report changes in participant’s condition and needs to the Homecare Nurse or designee/Registered Nurse.
Initiate suggestions for process improvement and/or cost saving measures that enhance care.
Complete appropriate documentation of provided services following [PACE Organization] policies.
Use excellent interpersonal communication skills
Act only with the scope of authority to practice.
Follow all Policies and Procedures and OSHA safety guidelines.
Maintain the confidentiality of all company procedures and information about participants, clients or families.
Handle potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions and practice standard precautions.
Participate in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings. Maintain professional affiliations and any required certifications.
Participate in and supports Quality Improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as required or requested.