12/01/1981 30280

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSISTANT

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work in providing personal care services to homebound patients, or in assisting a professional nurse in clinics and child health conferences.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing specified duties in clinics and child health conferences to relieve the nursing staff of numerous non-professional tasks, or for visiting homebound patients to provide selected personal care services. Employees assisting in clinics secure admission data from patients, sterilize equipment, maintain current stock supplies, pack nurses' bags, and, in general, assist the nurses in the orderly operation of clinics and health conferences. Home visits to the sick will be made in instances where the services of a professional nurse are not required. Employees selected for home visitation assignments will participate in a formal training program in personal care services that will be conducted by professional nurses. Initial assignments will be performed under the close supervision of a professional nurse. As proficiency will be performed under the close supervision of a professional nurse. As proficiency is gained, supervision will become more general. Work will be reviewed in progress and through a review of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists in the orderly operation of clinics and child health conferences by receiving patients, securing admission data an patient's medical history, directing patient flow in examining and treatment rooms, and performing other tasks to relieve the nursing staff of non-professional duties.

Provides selected personal care services to homebound patients such as helping patients in and out of bed, helping patients with exercises prescribed by appropriate professional personnel, helping patients with bath, care of mouth, skin, and hair, and performing such incidental household services as are essential to the patient's care at home, and are necessary to prevent or postpone institutionalization.

Notes, reports, and records indicative changes in the condition of a patient.

Sets up, cleans, and dismantles equipment.

Cleans, polishes, and packs nurses' bags.

Assists with reports and follow-up notices and maintains confidential records.

Withdraws records from files and assembles for use of nursing of the professional staff.

Maintains library, resource files, and pamphlets under the direction of the professional staff.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in providing personal care services to the physically ill.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

Knowledge of light housekeeping procedures, and sufficient physical strength and agility to perform assigned duties.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team of health workers.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain moderately complex records and to prepare periodic reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employee and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Graduation from high school; or equivalent certification or formal training.