Home health aides have some of the best job satisfaction rates amongst other professions requiring a college degree. They possess the right core skills needed to succeed at their tasks, along with their respect for discretion and their excellent memory regarding their patient’s medical records. In short, a home health aide will learn about the patient’s health and their family’s dynamics and other issues to better serve them well.
With that being said, you must gain your patients’ trust in order to keep them safe and comfortable. You may accomplish this by developing strong interpersonal skills and paying attention to the details of their medications, appointments and vital signs, as well as their regular activities.
The Standard Qualifications
As you may already know, home health aides take care of their patients inside the comfort of their homes. This means that you will be spending a lot of time with them, so it is absolutely critical that you adapt to the different changes in their environment.
Another critical component of being a home health aide is having an excellent memory. It will be your responsibility to keep track of the details of the patient’s health and their family’s dynamics. You will have to shadow your patients and have a general understanding of their condition.
You will also have to complete a training program that consists of at least 75 hours of classroom time and at least 300 hours of internship time. These training hours will teach you the skills necessary to complete your tasks.
Some of the other qualities that a home health aide should have include:
- Great communication
- Empathy
- Ability to assist patients with dressing and grooming
- Ability to provide emotional support and reassurance
- Great attention to detail
- Ability to work with other home health aides
- Ability to work well with a diverse population of clients
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to read and speak English
- Great physical health
- Good organizational skills
- Having the knowledge of government social services
The Steps to Follow
If you are interested in this field of specialty, there are several stages that you will have to go through. First, you will need to complete a training program through your local community college or one online. These programs will provide you with the skills necessary to complete your tasks as a home health aide. Afterward, you will need to apply for a certification exam. If you pass this exam, you will be licensed to become a home health aide.
While most home health aides may not need a college degree, but some home health aides will have to have a high school diploma or a GED. In some cases, aides will have to have their CPR certification.
However, you also have to remember that regardless of whether or not you have a college degree, you will have to pass a test given by the State of California in order to be licensed.
Conclusion
Home health aide jobs are some of the most rewarding careers in the medical profession. If you want to pursue this particular field of expertise, there is no need to worry. There are many opportunities available for you, so if you are looking for an exciting and rewarding job in the medical profession, a home health aide job might be a great choice.
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