Home Health Aide

VNA HEALTH AT HOME

Home Health Aide Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

• Assists, including bathing, oral hygiene, dressing, transfer activities, ambulation, toileting, and feeding as assigned
• Performs light household services essential to patient care at home when part of care plan
• Reports to RN Case Manager or Registered Nurse (RN) designee any recognized changes in patient's condition
• Adheres to agency policies and state regulations with respect to Home Health Aide services and responsibilities.
• Provides a positive care experience for patients assigned
• Performs all other duties that Management determines necessary
• Reports to Supervisor of Home Health Aides

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Experience

• Successful completion of a state approved HHA, CNA or Nursing Assistant Program; or a student nurse with 75 hours of theoretical and clinical instruction.
• Any person employed as a homemaker-home health aide prior to January 1, 1993, deemed to have completed a training and competency evaluation program pursuant to subdivision 19-13-D69 (d) (2) of the regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
  

Other Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license and personal vehicle
• Physical, mental and sensory abilities sufficient to meet performance criteria with or without assistive devices

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

The Home Health Aide shall possess the following skills and attributes and be responsible for the following duties:

1. Successfully completes competency evaluation in accordance with the State of Connecticut and Federal regulations on hire and annually.

2 Demonstrates safety and competence in meeting personal care needs of the patients assigned, in accordance with

tasks assigned, performs household duties as directed and strives to maximize patient's safety in their

environment.

1. Demonstrates sound judgment in recognizing and communicating changes in the patient's condition, including skin changes, to the RN Case Manager/designee or therapist and or patient/family concerns.

1. Adheres to agency policies and state regulations with respect to Home Health Aide services and responsibilities.

• Accurately follows the patient's established Care Plan and assigned tasks developed by the registered nurse.
• Documents care provided utilizing an agency provided mobile device.
• Attends 12 hours of inservice annually.

1. Identifies areas for improvement within Agency processes as well as personal/para-professional learning needs.

• Regularly attends inservices or outside seminars to enhance practice and knowledge.
• Active participant when attending inservices or team conferences.

1. Provides a positive care experience for patients assigned.

• Accepts and respects the patient and their family/caregiver's individuality, customs and lifestyles.
• Values every patient by actively listening and remaining focused on their needs.

1. Accountability/Responsibility

• Can be relied upon to meet requirements of job description, with a minimum of supervision
• Communicates schedule changes to manager or appropriate person and need for assistance
• Is prompt and attends meetings and programs as expected

1. Organization/Productivity

• Demonstrates an ability to perform job responsibilities in an organized, efficient manner
• Prioritizes needs and meets productivity standards for the department

1. Adaptability

• Demonstrates an ability to understand and carry out instructions
• Adapts to changing conditions during the work day and in the industry
• Remains focused and responds appropriately when under pressure

1. Documentation

• Ability to complete and submit job related/required reports in an accurate, clear, concise and timely manner, assuring that content meets any federal, state, local and Agency requirements

1. Professional Integrity

• Demonstrates integrity and sound decision making in all issues related to job
• Adheres to standard of confidentiality, discussing patient and Agency information only with appropriate personnel in the proper setting
• Promotes a positive image of the Agency at all times

1. Attendance

• Demonstrates faithfulness in coming to work in accordance with assigned work schedule
• Adheres to the Agency's Attendance Policy

1. Teamwork/Commitment

• Functions with an understanding of individual performance and its impact on co-workers
• Works cooperatively and assists department and Agency co-workers as needed
• Volunteers for projects/committees to achieve department and/or Agency goals

1. Interpersonal Skills/Communication

• Demonstrates an ability to effectively express self, orally or written
• Shows respect and courtesy in interactions
• Seeks clarification from appropriate source if communication is not clearly understood
• Displays positive attitude and is resolution oriented

1. Ambition/Motivation

• Demonstrates ability to take initiative and to follow through on responsibilities and projects
• Presents ideas effectively and encourages participation by others

1. Creativity

• Demonstrates innovative ideas and suggests positive approaches to problem solving
• Recommends plan for implementation

1. Personal Appearance

• Personal appearance is neat, clean and professionally appropriate
• Adheres to Human Resources Dress and Footwear Policy

STATUS: Non-Exempt LEVEL OF EXPOSURE CATEGORY I

1.0 Introduction

This assessment documents the physical demands and essential job functions of the Home Health Aide position.

2.0 Physical Job Description

Home Health Aides occasionally push and pull patients (beds, chairs) and medical equipment that requires between 5 lbs to 50 lbs of force. Moving or assisting with transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to 50 lbs., individually, or 100+ lbs. as part of a team-lift, although clients must be weight-bearing or bed-bound as determined by the nurse. The patient's Care Plan specifies a one-person, two-person or mechanical-assist lift.

Home Health Aides are regularly required to stand and talk or hear, and frequently required to walk; they use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and they reach forward with hands and arms. They are occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Home Health Aides must be able to drive a motor vehicle or take public transportation and would sit during such times.

Home Health Aides must frequently lift and/or move items, materials and supplies up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift or move items or materials up to 30 lbs. Standing and walking are constant during assisting. Home Health Aides are often seated when completing paperwork, for about 15 minutes at a time, sitting on average for a total of 1 hour over an 8-hour shift.

The estimated overall strength requirement of the job of a Home Health Aide may be classified as "Medium." Medium work indicates that the job involves handling 20 to 50 lbs Occasionally (O) or handling 10 to 20 lbs Frequently (F).

3.0 Operational Overview

The Home Health Aide is responsible for the following job tasks.

• Performing Personal Care
• Performing Homemaking Services (light housekeeping, tidy up and linens changing)
• Assisting with Therapeutic Exercise/ADL Programs and Ambulation
• Assisting the Patient in Maintaining a Safe, Clean Home Environment
• Documenting and Monitoring the Patient Care Process
• Communicating with the Care Team regarding the Client's Status/Changes

Home Health Aides are responsible for performing personal care and homemaking services (light housekeeping, tidying up and linens-changing) under the direction of a Registered Nurse. They assist with therapeutic exercise/ADL programs under the direction of a licensed therapist. Home Health Aides Assist the patient in maintaining a safe, clean home environment through the accomplishments of specific tasks per the home health aide care plan.

Home Health Aides function as a patient advocate, assist with care and maintenance of equipment and supplies, reporting any unsafe situations/products to their supervisor. They demonstrate proper use of Universal Precautions and infection control to patients and follow the care plan under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Therapist. Home Health Aides assist the patient in maintaining good personal hygiene by assisting with bath, oral hygiene and all tasks related to this goal. They perform light housekeeping duties necessary for a healthy and safe environment and plan/prepare nutritious meals according to the dietary regimen of the patient. Home Health Aides promote the patient's mental alertness through conversation, reading, games and other activities. They also assist patients with medication reminders, patient transfers/ambulation, and therapeutic exercises. Home Health Aides encourage the patient in becoming as independent as possible within his/her limitations.

3.1 Work Hours/Shifts:

• Shift duration is 8 hours.

3.2 Working Environment:

• Work settings are variable and may include nursing homes and neighborhoods.
• The majority of work is performed indoors, in the field; outdoor environment is limited to walking between worker's car and patient's residence.
• Home Health Aides work in all weather conditions.
• The flooring is variable and could present uncontrolled slip/trip hazards.

3.3 Tools, Equipment, Work Aids:

• Tools include personal care and hygiene items/supplies such as those needed for client bathing, shower, shaving, nail care, linen changing, bed making and personal attention.
• Home Health Aides will carry equipment including gloves, shoe covers, masks, hand sanitizer, hand cleaner, disinfectant sprays, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, alcohol pads, thermometer, stethoscope, gloves, liquid soap, etc.
• PPE includes Eye protection, Face protection, Mask and Medical gloves (non-sterile and sterile).

4.0 Physical Demands Analysis

The following tables detail the individual physical demands using the following six categories: Mobility, Strength, Upper Extremity Postural Activity, Sensory/Perceptual, Work Environment, and Conditions of Work.

Key1: Exposure Time & Strength Rating

Rating of Exposure Time

Definition (Hrs of time)

Not Observed (N/O)

Not Observed

Infrequent (I)

< 1 Hr

Occasional (O)

1 – 3 Hrs

Frequent (F)

3 – 6 Hrs

Constant (C)

6 – 8 Hrs

Strength Rating

DOT Definitions

Sedentary

0 to 10 lbs performed Occasionally (O)

Very Light

0 to 20 lbs performed Infrequently (I)

Light

0 to 20 lbs performed Frequently (F) or Significant Walking or Standing

Medium

20 to 50 lbs performed Occasionally (O) Or 10 to 20 lbs performed Frequently (F) or 10 lbs performed Constantly (C)

Heavy

50 to 100 lbs performed Occasionally (O) or 25 to 50 lbs performed Frequently (F) or 10 to 20 lbs performed Constantly (C)

*Based in part on US Department of Labor's Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), Physical Demands Strength Rating, 1991

Key2 : Essential Function Tasks

Task #

Task Description

1

Occasionally pushing/pulling bed or chair, with and without a patient; force will vary from 5 lbs to 50 lbs; infrequent, slight but repetitive pushing during CPR is possible, duration can be from a few minutes to several hours.

2

Frequently lifting/carrying items ranging from 2 lbs to 10 lbs and above; occasionally lifting, as part of a team, an adult patient resulting in the exertion of up to 50 lbs. Infrequent exertions over 100 lbs

3

Reaching frequently to review monitoring equipment, assist with oxygen or other nursing equipment, and to access supplies.

4

Frequently bending, stooping, crouching and kneeling to perform patient care or light housekeeping.

5

Visually identifying labels, charts, supplies, displays, and controls to properly care for patients, take vital signs and complete paperwork.

6

Standing and brisk walking to assess and care for patients, including during urgent situations.

7

Sitting while driving to and from client home or while in public transportation seating, climbing in/out of private and public transportation.

Table 1: Mobility

Activity

Duration

Essential Function Task

Example

Sitting

O

3,5,7

Standing

C

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Patient interactions

Walking

C

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Running

I

6

Emergent activities

Climbing

N/O

1,3,7

Stairs at homes, on buses

Bending/Stooping

F

3,4,7

Emptying catheter/Foley, putting on client shoes, picking up items off the floor

Crouching

O

3,4,7

Getting patient onto bedside commode

Kneeling

O

3,4

Crawling

N/O

Table 1: Mobility (continued)

Activity

Duration

Essential Function Task

Example

Twisting

F

1,2,3,5,6,7

Performing bedside tasks, Giving bath, using toiletries, adding items to soil bin

Balancing

O

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Table 2: Strength

Activity

Duration

Essential Function Task

Example