Home Health Aide

 

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED.

• Graduate from an approved training and competency course.

• Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training.  Sixteen hours of classroom must be completed prior to a mandatory 16 hours of practical training. 

• The company will provide on-the-job training in home health/hospice area.

• Current BLS Certification. 

• *Foreign HHA must apply for certification upon arrival in the U.S.

• At least 18 years of age.

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

• Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.

• Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision.  Secure with issues of death/dying.  Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home.

• Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

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

• Requires considerable physical effort most of the day including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and maximal assist in lifting and/or transferring of a 100 pound patient. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use appropriate adaptive devices that will enable senses to function at a level required to meet the essential duties of the position. 

• Must provide evidence of annual TB tests and other state-required tests or examinations.

• Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available and act accordingly. 

• Must have a current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.

 

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction and ongoing supervision of the registered nurse, provides essential personal care assistance to the patient: 

  • Bath, care of mouth, skin and hair.

  • Bathroom or in using bedpan or commode.

  • Bed transfers as well as ambulation activities as ordered under the care plan.

  • Range of motion exercises which the Aide has been taught by appropriate professional personnel.

  • Performing such incidental household services as are essential to the patient’s well- being at home.

  • Preparing meals including a special diet.

  • Takes a patient’s temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure if assigned by a registered nurse.

  • Assists with shopping if the patient has no other resource available.

  • Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.”

• Provides emotional support and compassionate care to the patient and family unit.

• Offers encouragement when appropriate.

• Documented initial and ongoing every 14 day supervision and evaluation by RN on each case assignment.

• Reports any changes in the patient’s condition or family situation immediately by calling the Hospice office and notifying the RN.