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 or therapist and performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the paent’s needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. Providing personal care including:

Baths

Back rubs

Oral hygiene

Shampoos

Changing bed linen

Assisting patients with dressing and undressing

Skin care to prevent breakdown

Assisting the patient with toileting actives

Keeping patient's living area clean and orderly, as appropriate

Planning and preparing nutrious meals.

Assisting in feeding the patient, if necessary.

Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).

Assisting in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.

Performing range of moon and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).

Assisting patients in the self-administration of medication.

Doing a patient's laundry, as appropriate.

Meeting safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.).

Reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the assigned nurse.

Adhering to the Organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major dues 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.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

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

At least 18 years of age.

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

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

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

Possess and maintains current CPR certification.

Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.

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

Note: Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training programs that meet 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).

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.