• THE JOB
• COMPENSATION
• REQUIREMENTS
• OCCUPATIONAL CODES
  
  

HEALTH AIDES (ADULT DAY CARE OCCUPATIONS)
California Occupational Guide Number 2008 (part)
Interest Area:  Emerging Occupations
1996

THE JOB  

Health Aides are part of the nursing staff.  They work under the direction 
of a registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse providing basic care to 
participants.  Health Aides work from a developed care plan to help 
participants achieve maximum self reliance in daily activities.  They:

 - Assist with toileting, transfers, grooming and dressing, as necessary 
 - Assist with urine testing, foot care, oral hygiene, and general skin 
   care.  Certified Nursing Assistants also take vital signs
 - Provide reality orientation to clients 
 - Give reminders to follow through with medical instructions and diet 
   restrictions
 - Assist participants with eating, when necessary
 - Provide emotional reassurance to participants, some who could be confused 
   or angry
 - Assist in setting up rooms for special projects
 - Participate in craft and musical activities

Health Aides who work in day health centers that are part of a long-term 
disability program also may work as Home Health Aides in participants' 
homes on a rotational basis.

COMPENSATION

References to hourly wages in day health care centers range from $7.00 to 
$9.00 depending on experience, education, and numbers of participants.

REQUIREMENTS

Job Skills Needed:

 - Oral communication skills essential when talking with participants, 
   giving instructions, listening, etc.
 - Written communication skills needed to track client progress, write 
   weekly reports and log activities
 - Second language a plus
 - Sincere desire to work with frail elderly and other adults with 
   disabilities
 - Patience
 - Compassion

Training/Requirements:

 - High school diploma almost always required
 - Some require Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide certificates
 - Experience with the frail elderly usually required
 - First Aid and CPR certificates required by most employers (Training 
   sometimes provided)
 - Proof of current good health and TB test mandatory 

OCCUPATIONAL CODES

DOT
  Nurse Assistant                          355.674.014
OES
  Nurse Aides, Assistants & Orderlies           660080

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916)  262-2162

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