Job Description

Certified Home Health Aide

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. In Oklahoma is certified as a Home Health Aide by the Oklahoma State Department of Health 2. In Texas meets one of the following requirements: A. A minimum of one year full-time experience in direct client care in an institutional setting (hospital or nursing facility); B. One year full-time experience within the last five years in direct client care in an agency setting; C. Satisfactorily completed a training and competency evaluation program that complies with the requirements of the regulations (TX 97.701); D. Satisfactorily completed a competency evaluation program that complies with the requirements of TX 97.701; E. Submitted to the agency documentation from the director of programs or the dean of a school of nursing that states that the individual is a nursing student who has demonstrated competency in providing basic nursing skills in accordance with the school’s curriculum; or F. Be on the Texas Department of Human Services’ (DHS’s) nurse aide registry with no finding against the aide relating to client abuse or neglect or misappropriation of client property. Has successfully completed the agency’s written competency exam and skills demonstrations.
3. Is at least 18 years of age.
4. Possesses and maintains good physical stamina and mental health. Prior to patient contact, presents a pre-employment health clearance.
5. Has ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given. Is self-directed with the ability to work with little direct supervision.
6. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
7. Is flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligation.
8. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
9. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Agency requirements and is in good working order. {Note: The Home Health Aide is 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 § 484.36(b).}
SUMMARY OF JOB DESCRIPTION
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 patient’s/client’s needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing patients/clients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The home health aide will be assigned in a manner which promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient’s/client’s care.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. Provides personal care including: A. Baths B. Back rubs C. Oral hygiene D. Shampoos E. Changing bed linen F. Dressing and undressing patients/clients G. Skin care and prevention of skin breakdown H. Toileting activities I. Performs supportive services, such as homemaking, and other environmental services, which facilitate receiving sanitary and safe care at home.
2. Prepares nutritious meals including providing medically prescribed diets under supervision.
3. Assists in feeding the patient/client, if necessary. Policy 11-020.3
4. Takes and records oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
5. Assists in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
6. Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extension of therapy service as ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
7. Assists patient/client in the self-administration of medication.
8. Meets safety needs of patients/clients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, restraints, etc.). Applies safety principles and proper body mechanics to performance of specific techniques of personal and supportive care such as ambulating of client, transferring clients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning, and doing household chores.
9. Observes, reports and documents changes in patient’s/client’s condition, status and significant changes or expectations of service promptly to the assigned RN Case Manager or Branch Supervisor.
10. Adheres to the Agency’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct. Documents care provided accurately and submits visit records within one working day of the visit.
11. Participates in public relations and community activities that promote the Agencies role as an effective member of the health care delivery system.
12. Recognizes emergency situations and implements appropriate emergency procedures when indicated.
13. Utilizes good infection control procedures in relation to performance of duties. Follows agency procedures in all instances.
14. Uses equipment and supplies responsibly. Takes care to prevent spill and breakage incidents in the home.
15. Respects rights of client including the client’s right to privacy and respects the client’s property; adheres to Agency confidentiality policy and maintains professional objectivity.
16. Attends in-service according to Agency policy. Meets Agency requirements annually. Other aspects and demands of the job not listed above: 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 and home environment
2. Exposure to infectious diseases
3. In and out of automobile
4. This position has been designated Class I Field visit staff (see Infection/Exposure Control Plan). Employees performing Class I Field visit staff duties may be involved in potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. All Class I Field visit staff employees will be offered Hepatitis B vaccination at no expense to the employee.
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/moving up to and extensive bending and standing.
3. Ability to deal effectively with stress.
4. Other aspects and demands of the job not listed above:
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the required continuing education hours for state certification/federal regulation as a home health aide (COP §484.36(b)(2). 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.