Spirit Profile

Recognizing Outstanding Home Health Aides
Home Health Aide Digest’s goal is to feature outstanding aides representing a wide range of cultural/ethnic backgrounds from every part of the United States.

Home Health Aides featured in the “Spirit Profile” column are those who go the extra mile.

They are individuals who inspire their coworkers by bringing a special spirit, skill, style, commitment and compassion to their work, and who meet the following criteria set forth by Home Health Aide colleagues.

CRITERIA:

Dependable

1. Communicates time of visit to patient/family.
2. Arrives on time (or even early) for assignments, shows up for an assignment and calls if s/he is going to be late on the day of the visit.
3. Attends inservices and workshops to improve skills.

Capable

1. Reviews the patient’s care plan and seeks clarification if needed.
2. Able to perform CPR (if required by state regulations).
3. Knows what to do in patient situations and/or knows who to call for assistance.
4. Asks questions before beginning patient care.
5. Updates HHA skills as needed.

Good Communication Skills

1. Able to relate aspects of care to RN, client and family caregiver in an objective, professional and caring manner.
2. Listens and answers client and family questions that are related to the HHA role. Refers questions to appropriate resource if outside of HHA’s scope.
3. Shares ideas to improve patient and agency care.

Flexible

1. Works different shifts, weekends, days of the week and is on call if needed (and possible for the employee).
2. Cares for all clients.
3. Volunteers to serve on agency committees and projects.

Well-Groomed and Personable

1. Is personally clean (including body, nails, hair, clothes, shoes and oral hygiene).
2. Is appropriately rested.
3. Represents agency well.

Honest

Pleasant Personality

1. Demonstrates a caring, attentive attitude.
2. Is compassionate when needed. Good listener.
3. Performs extras above and beyond normal duties, for example, spending a little extra time in difficult times, bringing flowers from own garden, reading a special poem/story, singing to patients, etc.

If you have an employee who meets these criteria, please complete the nomination form. You can request a printed form by contacting us.