The personal care attendant is an employee, trained to provide personal care and related services in the home. He/She functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the Director or the Assistant Director of Patient Services and/or the RN Team Leader.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Completion of a basic aide training program consistent with state requirements,

if any, which include hospital experience and for which a certificate has been

obtained.

- Working knowledge of the home health care program and previous experience 

providing home health visits preferred.

- Ability to read and write consistent with job requirements.

- Has received the appropriate PCA training related to the following:

- Methodology of assisting clients to achieve maximum self-reliance.

- Principles of nutrition and meal preparation.

- Principles of the aging process.

- Understanding the emotional problems of illness & long term home care.

- Procedure for maintaining a clean, healthful and pleasant environment.

- That all changes in client condition must be reported to the nurse.

- Maintaining the ethics and confidentiality of client care.

- Cooperate with the health care team.

- Providing and maintaining appropriate and required records.

- Comprehends the basics of personal care, housekeeping and meal preparation.

- Shows an interest and concern for people.

- Practices good hygiene and is neat in personal appearance.

- Freedom from health problems that may be injurious to client, self and co-

workers and presents the required documents that indicate such.

- Appropriate work experience.

- Possession of the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing

and maintaining a good work relationship with the client, client’s family, and

the personnel of the Agency.

- Reliability of transportation.

- Valid TN Driver’s License.

- Auto insurance as required by agency.

- Safe driving record.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene.
2. Assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment.
3. Plans and prepares nutritious meals. Provides for patient/client shopping needs and completes other out of home errands when instructed to do so by the supervisor.

1. Assists client with ambulation.
2. Assists with certain treatments as ordered by the physician and approved and supervised by the nurse.

1. Assists as needed with rehabilitative processes.
2. Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan.

1. Attempts to promote client’s mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest.

1. Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household.

1. Establishes a relationship with client and family, which transmits trust and confidentiality.

1. Prepares a report of his/her visit on the day it is performed and incorporates it into the clinical record weekly.

1. Reports any changes in the client’s mental or physical condition or in the home situation to her/his immediate supervisor.

1. Carries out her assignment as instructed by the Supervisor and reports when he/she is unable to do so.

1. Works with personnel of other agencies in the client’s care as directed by the supervisor.

1. Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, according to the Plan of Care.

1. Follows universal precautions when giving any aspects of client care.
2. Maintains confidentiality of information related to business practices, business activities, and personnel.

1. Performs ONLY those functions as specified for each individual client.
2. Responds to the physical, emotional and developmental needs of clients.
3. Follows emergency procedures in the event of any incident, e.g., accident, injury, or significant change in client’s condition.

1. Attends team conferences when directed. Participates and offers input regarding the patient’s care and progress toward individual patient goals.

1. Understands and assures adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and processes (administrative, personnel, clinical, etc.). Seeks guidance and further clarification of organizational policies, procedures, and processes when uncertainty/confusion arises.

1. Provides input in the evaluation of other team member’s job performance upon request.

1. Attends in-services, seminars, or other meetings as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management.
2. Participates willingly with special projects and overtime work when requested.

1. Maintains a professional attitude when working with staff, fostering the team philosophy and team environment for all personnel.

1. Always provides proper notification and/or advance notice for absence or tardiness without abuse.

1. Does not allow personal affairs to interfere with scheduled work time.
2. Maintains a professional appearance at all times.