Qualifications:
A Certified Home Health Aide

• Completion of a training program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
• In good standing, holding a current certificate as a Home health Aide  in New Jersey.
• Completion of the Home care test.

A Nursing Student

• with a written New Jersey Board of Nursing waiver in lieu of a certificate.
• Completion of the Home care test.

A  Home Health Aide who recently completed the homemaker  home health aide training  program and has not yet received a certificate.

• The presence of the Aides name on the New Jersey Board of Nursing Home-maker Home Health Aide Certification Eligibility List until the actual certificate is issued.
• Completion of the Home care test.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to effectively communicate with clients and co-workers . Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity, which may include heavy lifting and extensive bending and standing.
• Ability to deal effectively with stress.

Essential Functions of the position:
A certified  home health aide is a person who carries out health care tasks as an extension of a registered professional nurse. A CHHA also provides assistance with personal hygiene, housekeeping and other related supportive tasks for a patient with health care needs in his/her home.

Performance  Criteria:

• Consistently takes and records temperature, pulse, and respiration when advised and reports all variations from normal.
• Competently assists the client in bathing in bed, in tub and in shower.
• Competently assists the client with care of teeth and mouth.
• Competently assists the client with grooming, care of hair including shampoo and shaving.
• Competently assists the client with foot care.
• Competently assists the client with ordinary care of nails (no cutting).
• Competently assists the client on and off bedpan, commode and toilet. Competently assists the client in moving from bed to chair or wheelchair and in Walking with a cane or walker.
• Competently assists the client with eating.
• Prepares and serves meals according to instructions. Competently assists the client with dressing.
• With guidance from the nurse, arranges a schedule so that the patient follows medical recommendations such as increased physical activity and taking their own medication.
• Remind his/her patient to take their own medications as directed by the RN
• Maintains records as instructed by the professional registered nurse.
• Competently performs other pertinent care functions as assigned and demonstrated by the Professional Registered Nurse.
• Safely accompanies client to obtain medical care Makes and changes clients bed.
• Dusts and vacuums the rooms the client uses. Washes the clients’ dishes.
• Tidies the clients’ kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and personal environment.
• Makes a list of needed supplies.
• Shops for the client if no other arrangement is possible. The CHHA should never purchase alcohol or non-prescription drugs for the client.
• Washes the clients’ personal laundry if no family member is available or able, including ironing.
• Sends clients linen to laundry if necessary.
• Utilizes aseptic technique to clean around and secure the clients Foley catheter or condom catheter.
• Competently cares for an incontinent patient.
• Assists the patient in changing position to prevent decubiti. Demonstrates appropriate preventive skin care techniques. Consistently follows the Aide Plan of Care developed by the RN.
• Consistently records all pertinent information on the Aide Plan of Care, and time cards in an appropriate timely manner.
• Correctly measures and records Intake and Output as directed by the RN Competently assists the patient with range of motion exercises as directed by RN or therapist.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with the client and his/her family members
• Assists the RN supervisor to make client visits by ensuring presence of self and client at the time planned.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the health care team and staff of the agency.
• Consistently reports occurrences to the Nursing Supervisor.
• Consistently adheres to universal precautions, aseptic technique and infection control guidelines.
• Consistently implements care in a manner that is maximally safe for the client, his/her family and self.
• Consistently seeks, accepts and implements suggestions to improve performance.
• Demonstrates respect for the opinion of others.
• Consistently assumes and follows through on the responsibility for assignment.
• Demonstrates the ability to function effectively under stressful situations.
• Maintains confidentiality of client observations and records.
• Utilizes time effectively, maintaining a consistent level of productivity. Completes the continuing education requirements annually (12 hours).
• Consistently complies with standards for attendance, absence notification and punctuality.
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism through appearance, performance and communication.
• Assumes responsibility for reading and comprehending all posted notices, communications and policies and procedures related to CHHA’s.
• Demonstrates competencies to provide care to patients of all ages.
• Respects the rights, privacy and property of others at all times.