Home Health Aide

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: REGISTERED NURSE / Clinical Director

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS – HIGH

DUTIES OF POSITION

Provide personal care, companion, homemaker and related services in the home, under the direction, instruction and supervision of the Registered Nurse and the Clinical Director.

Tasks to be performed by an HHA must be delegated 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, or any other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures or enemas.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Follows the plan of care to provide safe, competent care to the patient.

Help the patient to maintain good personal hygiene and assist in maintaining a healthy, safe environment.

Plan and prepare nutritious meals, markets when instructed to do so by the nurse.

Assist the patient with ambulation as ordered by the physician and approved and supervised by the nurse.

Assist the therapy personnel as needed with rehabilitative processes.

Encourage the patient to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan.

Attempt to promote patient's mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest.

Give simple emotional and psychological support to the patient and other members of the household and establish a relationship with patient and family which transmit trust and confidentiality.

Report any change in the patient's mental or physical condition or in the home situation to the Registered Nurse.

Perform routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, as instructed by the professional nurse.

Prepare a visit report promptly and incorporate same in the clinical record weekly.

Confirm on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits so that other necessary visits by staff members can be coordinated.

Work with personnel of other community agencies involved in the patient's care as directed by the nurse.

Attend at least twelve (12) hours annually of staff development activities.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients' homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move patient weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Use of BP cuff, thermometer and stethoscope and hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all patient medical records which may be discussed with the Registered Nurse and the Clinical Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.     Preferably a high school diploma or equivalent.

2.     Must have completed a minimum of 75 hours of training which includes instruction and supervised practicum which includes items listed in title of the Delaware Administrative Code.

3.     Must have:

a.     At least one year experience in a Department licensed or approved hospital, nursing home, or home care setting OR

b.     Has satisfactorily completed an appropriate home care course meeting the requirements of the Delaware Department of Health and Social services OR

c.     Is a student nurse pursuing a degree in nursing who has completed the clinical practicum portion of their training.

4.     Must be free from health problems that may be injurious to patient, self and co-workers and must present appropriate evidence to substantiate this.

5.     Must comprehend the basics of personal care, housekeeping, and meal preparation.

6.     Must understand and respect patient's rights including ethics and confidentiality of care.