Home Health Assistant

Job Summary :

Coordinates and implements paraprofessional services of Kaiser members. Recommends referrals to appropriate resources / agencies within Kaiser system and in community. Under direction of Registered Nurse and / or Physical, Speech or Occupational Therapist, provides nursing and personal care to patients in their homes, preventing hospitalizations, decreasing or preventing inappropriate ER visits. Monitors, educates, and collaborates with appropriate resources and agencies together with patients / caregivers and case managers in home setting. Networks and coordinates with Home Health multidisciplinary team to best meet needs of patient. Assists patient with prescribed home exercise program and is directly responsible to case manager.

Essential Responsibilities :

Provides direct nursing service and care to patients in their homes as delegated by home health Registered Nurse (RN) and / or physical / speech / occupational therapist (PT / ST / OT) and in compliance with plan of care, preventing hospitalizations and decreasing or preventing inappropriate ER visits. Assists with or provides personal care appropriately and safely to patient as assigned by RN or physical / speech / occupational therapist. Assists patients to carry out their prescribed therapeutic regimen under direction of RN and / or PT / ST / OT. Provides simple household chore services essential to healthcare at home as assigned. Understands and applies universal infection control procedures. Maintains clean, safe and healthy environment for patients assigned to his / her care. Prepares equipment and materials for treatments observing aseptic technique as required.

Observes and documents patient status and care / service furnished. Understands elements of body function and changes in body function that must be reported to RN or PT / ST / OT, and reports these in timely manner (licensed personnel may report directly to patients physician). Prepares clinical progress notes that use descriptive, objective and quantified information to measure and evaluate patient outcomes. Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures and retains CPR certification. Recognizes and handles emergency situations as directed until help arrives.

Educates patients and caregivers in appropriate self-care techniques. Participates in multidisciplinary team conferences. Attends continuing education and in-service training programs to keep current of skills and patient care techniques / needs. Assists social workers and nurses with case disposition and supports professional developed plan of care.

Maintains productivity levels outlined by Home Health Manager / Director. Participates in performance improvement activities. Assists with developments and implementation of departments workplan. Performs clinical records audit.

May perform patient care to the extent necessary to maintain clinical expertise, competency, and licensing necessary to fulfill job responsibilities and to direct the provision of care on the unit.

Provides direct patient care on an as needed basis. Provides services that are within scope of license and in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements relevant to clinical role performed.

Incorporates the KP Nursing Vision, Model and Values through out their Nursing Practice.

Basic Qualifications :

Experience

Minimum one (1) year community health and geriatric nursing experience.

Employed in community health service to geriatric population within last twenty four (24) consecutive months.

Education

Bachelors degree in healthcare field with home care aide / nurse aide certification; or graduate from approved course in practical nursing.

License, Certification, Registration

Driver's License (from any state) required at hire

Licensed Practical Nurse (Hawaii)

Basic Life Support from American Heart Association

Additional Requirements :

N / A

Preferred Qualifications :

Acute care or skilled nursing care facility experience. Home healthcare experience. Inter-relationship with home health care / agency (shared population).