Health Care Aide

Qualifications

• Health Care Aide Certificate from a recognized program
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to work independently
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures
• Ability to display independent judgment
• Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
• Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
• Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis

Position Summary

The Health Care Aide provides direct client care and environmental support within established standards of care, policies and procedures. The Health Care Aide functions in meeting the special and changing needs of clients and assisting them in reaching and maintaining optimum health and independence within the limits of their abilities under the direction of the team leader.

Responsibilities

Overview

• Assist clients in activities of daily living, striving to maintain self-respect, dignity, and independence of clients by encouraging and allowing clients to care for themselves within the limits of their abilities as described in the client’s record. Integrate the resident Bill of Rights (Long Term Care) into care.
• Follow individualized clients’ care plan, provide feedback to improve care and communicate/report client changes to the team leader.
• Document care according to policy
• Document observations and care provided in the client’s health record and/or appropriate flow sheet as per policies and procedures (i.e. Clinical Documentation, fluid balance record).
• Provide or assist the client with Personal Hygiene as per care plan to include but not limited to bathing – tub bath, shower or complete or partial bed bath; grooming – wash hands, face, perineal area; shampoos and combs hair, shaves, cleans, and cuts nails; skin care –provides back rubs/skincare; oral care- mouth care, care of teeth and dentures; dressing – assist in dressing and undressing, remove soiled clothing and put out clean clothes. Assist clients with care of personal belongings and clothing.
• Provide or assist the client with elimination as per care plan to include but not limited to assist client to the bathroom as necessary; gives bedpan or urinal; changes incontinent briefs and provides perineal care; and care of urinary drainage system as per procedure.
• Provide or assist the client with mobility as per care plan to include but not limited to assists and feed dependent clients; distributes between meals nourishment /supplements and encourages client to consume same.
• Provide or assist the client with elimination as per care plan to include but not limited to assistance to the bathroom as necessary; offers bedpan or urinal; changes incontinent briefs and provides perineal care; care of urinary drainage system as per policy and procedure and assist with ostomy care demonstrating proper technique and safe use of ostomy care supplies. Replace an established (chronic) ostomy system and notify team leader if any signs of skin breakdown.
• Provide or assist the client with observation and measurements as per care plan to include but not limited to reporting any change in client’s condition to the team leader; update BM sheet each shift; weigh client; may be asked to record intake and output; and document care on applicable flow sheet.
• Provide or assist with the application and care of compression stockings, tensors, braces, splints as directed according to client care plan.
• Provide or assist with necessary safety measures (as per policies and procedures) including but not limited to side rails, seat belts, wheelchair pedals, assist in the management of disoriented or aggressive clients or visitors; promptly respond to clients call lights; and reports. Performs at a minimum hourly observation rounds or more frequently as indicated by client's care plan
• Demonstrate appropriate application of restraints and monitoring of clients with use of restraints as per policies and procedures.
• Position and/or assist the client with eating in a manner that promotes dignity and in a way that encourages interaction with the client,utilizing safe feeding techniques as required according to client care plan.
• Maintain a safe environment by appropriately distributing/storing equipment.
• Provide or assist as directed, according to client care plan with client vital sign measurement, documenting and communicating the results to team leader.
• Provide or assist as directed, according to client care plan, with the application of oxygen therapy to include; portable oxygen, oxygen concentrators, and wall mount oxygen.
• Provide or assist as directed, according to client care plan, with the emptying of closed suction medical systems to include; suction canisters, Hemovac, Blake and Jackson pratt drains, documenting and communicating results to team leader.
• Provide or assist as directed, according to client care plan, using medication safety principles with the established application of prescribed creams, ointment and/or oil-based lotions.
• Provide or assist the client with validation and orientation techniques and, provide privacy and maintain individual identity, confidentiality regarding client’s condition and family affairs.
• Provide or assist in admissions, transfer and discharge of client including care of the body after death. Lists client’s valuables and arranges for their storage on admission and their return on discharge.
• Promote and maintain proper hand hygiene and infection control practices including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean environment including but not limited to, equipment cleaning, changing linen as necessary, replenish supplies in client room; wipes spills to prevent injury and report all accidents and breakages immediately.
• Follows the appropriate procedure for collecting, labeling, handling and transporting of urine, feces or sputum specimens.
• Maintain a safe environment by appropriately distributing/storing equipment.
• Order and stock unit supplies (i.e. linen and food).
• Encourage and assist client’s participation with activity program. Organize and facilitate leisure activities for individuals and/or groups on evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrates the safe use of medical equipment applicable to client service area.
• Other duties as assigned.