Home health aides play an important role in the health care industry. They are the equivalent to a certified nursing assistant who works in a hospital or long-term care facility; their job duties are the same, but their training and requirements vary slightly, due to their work environment.
Education
The general requirement before being hired by an agency is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Many home health aides receive on-the-job training through the agency that hires them. In some cases, they may need to pass a competency exam to receive a certification before being allowed to work alone; this is usually handled by their agency.
Physical
Home health aides must undergo a physical exam before being hired, as well as a tuberculosis test. In addition, they may also have to undergo a criminal background check.
Transportation
It is essential for home health aides to have a reliable form of transportation, because they will be required to travel from one patient's home to another. They may be required to furnish proof of vehicle registration, current insurance and a copy of their driver's license.
Ethical
Because home health aides work in patients' homes, they must be honest and discreet at all times. They may be required to sign an agreement of sorts with the agency stating that a breech of either these will result in immediate dismissal and/or criminal charges.
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