Personal Care Assistant (Caregiver)
JOB FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES :
Responsibilities of the Personal Care Attendant include, are to, but are not limited to the following :
1. Provide client care as directed by the Care Designer or Nurse.
2. Provide personal care :
a. Assisting clients with personal hygiene such as skin, mouth, hair care and bathing.
b. Assist the client with dressing and undressing
c. Assist the client with toileting activities, including the use of commodes, bedpans or urinals.
d. Provide catheter care including changing the urinary catheter bag
e. Empty ostomy bags, or changing bags that do not adhere to the skin
f. Preparing meals and assisting clients with eating.
g. Support good skin care to prevent skin breakdown (i.e. turn and reposition client, actively encourage movement)
h. Assist client with active and passive range of motions as defined by the plan of care
i. Assisting clients in and out of bed and assisting with ambulation.
j. Observe client’s physical, mental and emotional conditions
i. Report any change to the Care Designer / Administrator
ii. Document observed changes
Assisting, not administering, clients with medications which are ordinarily self-administered.
l. Perform light housekeeping to maintain cleanliness and safety for the client.
m. Change bed linens and make up the client’s bed
3. Follow principles of infection control and Universal Precautions.
4. Provide transport to doctor appointments, outside activities and shopping.
5. Identifies and participates in performance improvement activities.
6. Promote quality client care through adherence to established policies, procedures and standards.
7. Completing records regarding services performed.
8. Ensure client’s rights are adhered to. These include but are not limited to :
a. the right to privacy and dignity
b. the right to accept or refuse care
c. the right to confidentiality of their information
9. Respond rapidly and appropriately in an emergency situation
10. Perform other tasks as determined and instructed by the licensed professional and as permissible under Nevada law.
QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED
- PCA Certification
- Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience preferred
- CPR Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Criminal background check clearance
- Negative TB test or chest x-ray
- Health Clearance
- Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with the organizations requirements.
- Empathy for the needs of the client and have the personal qualities which will enable the attendant to understand the problems of elderly persons and persons with disabilities
- Ability to express oral and written communication skills in English
JOB LIMITATIONS :
The PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT SHALL NOT provide the following services :
- a. Insertion or irrigation of a catheter;
- b. Irrigation of any body cavity, including, without limitation, irrigation of the ear, insertion of an enema or a vaginal douche;
- c. Application of a dressing involving prescription medication or aseptic techniques, including, without limitation, the treatment of moderate or severe conditions of the skin;
- d. Administration of injections of fluids into veins, muscles or the skin;
- e. Administration of medication, including, without limitation, the insertion of rectal suppositories, the application of a prescribed topical lotion for the skin and the administration of drops in the eyes;
- f. Performing physical assessments;
- g. Monitoring vital signs;
- h. Using specialized feeding techniques;
- i. Performing a digital rectal examination;
- j. Trimming or cutting toenails;
- k. Massage;
- l. Providing specialized services to increase the range of motion of a client;
m. Providing medical case management, including, without limitation, accompanying a client to the office of a physician to provide medical information to the physician concerning the client or to receive medical information from the physician concerning the client; and
n. Any task identified in chapter 632 of NRS and the regulations adopted by the State Board of Nursing as requiring skilled nursing care.
o. Loaning, borrowing or accepting gifts of money or personal items from a client;
p. Accepting or retaining money or gratuities from a client, other than money needed for the purchase of groceries or medication for the client; and
q. Becoming the legal guardian of a client or being named as an attorney-in-fact in a power of attorney executed by the client;
r. Transferring a client from the floor. (If the client is unable to get up, emergency services may need to be sought.)
s. Transferring clients who are not able to raise themselves independently, or with the use of a mechanical lift from the bathtub.
Caregivers may help a client transfer from a bath seat.
t. Being involved in a two-person transfer with uncertified persons such as family members.
u. Transferring clients residing in hospital or care facilities, unless specifically indicated in the client’s plan of care.