Home Health Care Jobs Without A Nursing Degree
Being a Home Health Aide is a demanding, tiring, and often stressful career but it is also extremely satisfying. Because of the work done by Aides, the elderly, those recovering from illnesses, those with mental or physical disabilities as well as those who are terminally ill are able to stay in the comfort of their own homes where they are happiest. If you love people, this may be a career you would enjoy. Before making any decisions it is wise to learn something about the job itself.
Although they work largely alone, Home Health Aides are always under the constant supervision of nurses, physicians or other medical personnel. They work mainly in the client's homes. Most clients are elderly though some with disabilities or terminally ill,may be quite young. Aides must be physically strong, kindly, compassionate, non-judgmental, and professional. They must be well organized, hard-working, mentally stable, able to follow instructions exactly, and able to work independently.
As Home Health aides work directly with the elderly and ill, they must pass a medical exam and be cleared of tuberculosis. In their work Health Aides may be exposed to infections and disease. Because of the aging population, and the realization that most patients do best when in their own homes, there is a growing demand for Home Health Aides.
If you are interested in any career in the medical field, becoming a Home Health Aide may be a good way to start. Many Aides go on to become nurses and other medical professionals.
Although most Home Health Aides are trained by the agency that hires them, any previous related experience is a benefit to you. If you are still in High School, take any available courses offered in First Aid, Health Care or Science. Volunteer in your local hospital, school, or seniors' home. This will give you some experience in working around the ill and people of all ages. Home Health Aide is considered and entry level position. If you wish to advance in the Health Care System, you will require more training.
Home Health Aides perform many tasks, which may include checking vital signs, assisting with prescribed exercises or recreational activities, bathing, grooming, and keeping patient records. Aides may also change bedding, help with cleaning, food preparation,and laundry, run errands, and take clients to appointments or simply for outings. Lifting, transferring, and managing wheelchairs is all in a days work for the Home Health Aide. Home Health aides also administer prescribed medications.
Generally Home Health Aides work a forty hour week, but because of the clientele served and the nature of the work, Aides may be required to work weekends, holidays, or evenings. Aides may deal with several clients in one day or may stay with the same client indefinitely. Home Health Aides provide an essential service for many in our communities.