About The Role

The patient care associate works under the supervision of the Associate Director and/or Lead Registered Nurse, RN, RPT, OTR, or SLP. Accepts assignments to provide care in the patient's home. The PCA is a paraprofessional member of the home care team. Performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the patient's needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The home health aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safely of the patient's care. Provides exceptional compassionate service to all patients and customers. Is responsible for all necessary documentation as required by accepted medial guidelines.

Provides personal care including (i.e. baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, changing bed linen, assisting patients dressing and undressing, skin care to prevent breakdown, assisting the patient with toileting activities, light housekeeping, dressing changes, nail care, meal prep and assistance with feeding if necessary).
Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
Assist with transfers, ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care. Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as instructed by the Therapist (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
Assisting patient in the self-administration of medication.
Meeting safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.).
Reporting on patient’s condition and significant changes to the assigned nurse or therapist.
Adhering to the Organization’s documentation and care procedures and standard of personal and professional conduct.
Provides accurate and timely documentation consistent with the plan of care.
Uses equipment and supplies effectively and efficiently.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

H.S. Diploma - Required

Work Experience

2 Years - Acute care, nursing home, skilled nursing facility experience. Home care experience required per condition of participation in the last 2 years. - Required

Licenses and Certifications

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Required Upon Hire
Driver's License - Valid In State - Required Upon Hire
Basic Life Support (BLS) - Required within 90 Days

Travel Requirements

Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

Fine motor skills required; hand/eye coordination, manipulation of small items, speaks clearly, input data; answer phone, skin care, Documentation completed with organizational policy and is completed electronically.

Interpersonal Skills

Must build rapport with patient families, visitor, peers. Self -directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision. Display a friendly, positive attitude and communicate with patients, families, and co-workers in a professional manner. Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene. Ability to read and demonstrates excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills. Normal social interaction skills.

Essential Physical Requirements

Must move, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, reach, stand, push, pull, bend, balance and lift. Must follow good body mechanics. Must be able to go from patient location to patient locations; must be able to transfer and turn the average weight of an adult bedridden patient and ambulate patients who are recovering from surgery using appropriate body mechanics.

Essential Mental Abilities

Understands normal patient condition and disease process in order to report changes to RN or therapist. Follows rules and instructions to get to a patient homes and to follow accepted procedure in providing personal care. Must have organizational and time management skills. Must be adaptable to the many challenges of differing home environments.

Essential Sensory Requirements

Visual, hearing, and tactile skills required.

Exposure to Hazards

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, blood and body fluids, punctures, scratches, and physical injury from combative patients. Road and weather hazards.

Other Skills and Abilities

Must be registered and successfully pass background check with the Family Care Safety Registry. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with the state or organization requirements and is in good working order. Must meet a minimum of 12 continuing education hours per year as required by the conditions of participation. The certified home care aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the States’ Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the home care Aide will not administer medications, take physician’s orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a nurse, such as sterile techniques.