Certified Nursing Assistant

Pasco SW Home Health•Grand Junction, CO

About The Position

The Home Health Aide (HHA) is a paraprofessional member of the home care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or therapist to provide personal care services according to patients’ needs. The aide observes patients, reports and documents observations and care provided, and is assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity, and safety of care after successfully completing a competency evaluation program. The HHA also participates in the interdisciplinary team. The position requires adherence to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct. The aide must not practice nursing as defined by the state Nurse Practice Act, administer medications, take physician’s orders, or perform procedures requiring nursing training, knowledge, and skill, such as sterile techniques.

Requirements

Successfully complete a state-approved training and competency evaluation program that meets applicable requirements and be listed in good standing in the state nurse registry.
If aide services have not been provided for a continuous period of 24 months or longer, complete another training and competency program before delivering services.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be able to read and follow written instructions and document care provided.
Be self-directing and able to work with little direct supervision.
Demonstrate empathy for the needs of ill, injured, frail, and impaired people.
Possess and maintain current CPR certification.
Demonstrate tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
Have a driver’s license and an insured, well-maintained automobile that meets organization requirements.
Not perform duties considered nursing practice under the state Nurse Practice Act, including administering medications, taking physician’s orders, or performing procedures requiring nursing training, knowledge, and skill such as sterile techniques.

Responsibilities

Provide personal care, including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, changing bed linen, dressing and undressing assistance, and nail and skin care to prevent breakdown.
Assist patients with toileting activities.
Keep the patient’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate.
Plan and prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding when necessary.
Take and record oral, rectal, and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered and when appropriately trained and competency has been demonstrated.
Assist with ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
Perform range-of-motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service when ordered and when appropriately trained and competency has been demonstrated.
Assist patients with self-administration of medication.
Do the patient’s laundry, as appropriate.
Meet patients’ safety needs and use equipment safely and properly, including foot stools and side rails.
Report patients’ conditions and significant changes to the assigned nurse.
Follow the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
Attend 12 clock hours of in-service training annually during a 12-month period.
Attend scheduled Case Conference meetings as part of the Interdisciplinary Group to discuss patients with whom the aide is involved.
Perform other job-related tasks as requested.