Home Health Aide STNA-PRN

The Home Health Aide (STNA) is an important member of A-1's team. The STNA can help the client regain self-confidence and maintain a relatively good level of health. The STNA should be understanding and include the family in the care of the client.

QUALIFICATIONS: The STNA must be at least 18 years of age and meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. Be listed on the ODH nurse aide registry in good standing OR

2. Successfully completed a certification course as required by the Ohio Department of Health (OBRA Certified Home Health aide) or a STNA training program totaling at least 75 hours or COALA home health training program, or a certified vocational program in the health care field OR

3. Have at least 1 year of recent institutional experience as a STNA AND

4. Passed a competency evaluation (written and skills testing by return demonstration).

The applicant should also have sufficient education and language skills in speech, as well as the ability to read and comprehend written orders and to write simple reports. The STNA should also have evidence of physical ability to lift 50lbs and a current physical and Mantoux TB test on file according to Agency regulations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: A STNA provides supportive services and essential personal care and homemaking tasks to the patient under the supervision of a RN. The RN as appropriate prepares written instructions for patient care. Appropriate and safe techniques in performing personal hygiene and grooming tasks that include

A. PERSONAL CARE:

• Bathing – sponge, tub, and shower bath bed

• Hair shampooing in sink, tub, and bed

• Nail and skin care

• Oral Hygiene

• Shaving

• Hand & Foot Care

• Perineal care

• Dressing

• Applying cosmetics

B. SAFE TRANSFER TECHNIQUES AND AMBULATION • Proper body mechanics • Assist ambulation, wheelchair, or walker • Transfer from bed/chair • Passive range of motion exercises of normal joints • Turning & positioning. • Encourage coughing & deep breathing.

C. TOILETING AND ELIMINATION: • Measure input & output • Incontinent care • Assist with use of bedpan, bedside commode, toileting activity • Catheter Care: Cleansing & positioning external parts of drainage system & emptying drainage system

D. ADEQUATE NUTRITION AND FLUID INTAKE:

• Encouraging & facilitating fluid intake • Feeding • Recording weight

E. SAFETY: • Employ principles of health & safety in relation to self & client • Identify & eliminate safety hazards • Report safety hazards to supervisor • Practice health protection & cleanliness by appropriate techniques of hand washing, waste disposal & food preparation

F. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: • Must be able to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, caregivers, and staff • Observation, reporting, and documentation of patient status and the care or service furnished

G. OTHER:

• Reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration

• Basic infection control prevention and control procedure

• Basic elements of body functioning and change in body function that must be reported on an aide supervisor

• Maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment

• Recognizing emergencies and the knowledge of instituting emergency procedures and their application

• The physical, emotional, and development needs of and ways to work with population served by the STNA, including need for patient, his or her privacy, and his/her property

• Recognizing and reporting skin conditions

• Any other task that the Home Health Agency may choose to have an aide perform as permitted under state law The STNA shall:

• Not perform procedures that require sterile techniques

• Not apply heat in any form • Not perform manual removal of an impaction

• Not perform clipping of toenails or fingernails except as specifically directed by the R.N. The STNA will never clip toenails for a diabetic patient

• Not make any judgements or give advice on medical or nursing problems

• Not administer medication to the client.

• Not apply topical prescription medication

• Not administer food & fluids via feeding tube

• Not administer enemas

• Provide timely services and maintain a clean and safe environment

• Refer all problems relating to the client to the supervisor. Relay those of an urgent nature immediately to the supervisor.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: A-1 will provide each STNA job related instruction prior to working independently which will include all aspects of the job description, expectations, reporting policies and agency policies & procedures. The STNA must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education in a twelve-month period. SUPERVISION: A licensed Nurse will supervise the STNA. The Nurse shall be responsible for ensuring proper implementation of the client's care plan.

Home Health Aides are not permitted to do more than an incidental (i.e., less than 15 percent) general household work during any work day. General household work includes activities involving heavy cleaning such as cleaning refrigerators, ovens, trash or garbage disposal and cleaning the rest of a “trashy” house.