A career as a home health aide (HHA) is an entry level employment opportunity for those interested in working with service users in clinical and residential environments. Although the educational requirements are minimal, the state of Idaho requires all home care aides to complete the national certification program.
Working Environment
Home health aides are employed by agencies, hospices and families to provide respite to the elderly and disabled persons. Home health aides should possess excellent time management and organizational skills. As part of a multidisciplinary team, home health aides work in conjunction with nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and families in providing and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
NAHC National Certification Program
Although most agencies and hospices train staff, the NAHC offers a Federal pre-requisite “seventy-five hours based on content as outlined in the Model Curriculum and Teaching Guide for the Instruction of the Homemaker/Home Care Aide OR a curriculum that is comparable." (NACH.org) This training is becoming standardized as to ensure the quality of services being provided.
According to Idaho-Nursing-Schools.com, “home health aides may check patients' pulse rate, temperature, and respiration rate; help with simple prescribed exercises; keep patients' rooms neat; and help patients to move from bed, bathe, dress, and groom.” Home health aides take direction from nursing and medical staff and are required to maintain accurate records and communicate any issues that may arise. These skills are assessed by the NACH home care aide skills competency assessment checklist.
There is a written examination that is administered through Home Care University. According to NACH.org, "the National Certification Program is designed to establish a national standard for preparation of home care aides; it offers significant benefits to consumer, providers and payers.” All three components must be successfully passed in order to obtain certification as a home care aide in Idaho.
Career Advancement
Although not required, agencies and hospices will look favourably on a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate and any other related experiences in working with the elderly and disabled people. However, advancement opportunities are limited. Further education is required should you decide to want to work as a licensed nurse or medical assistant. It is an excellent employment opportunity for those who are looking for full or part time work. It is a way to decide whether a career in health care is right for you.
References:
"NAHC.org": Home Care Aide National Certification Program
"Idaho-Nursing-Schools.com": Certified Nursing Assistants
Mario R. J. Corbin - Based in Quebec, Canada, Mario Corbin has been writing professionally since 2002. His publications have appeared in “The Jane ...
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