How to become a home healthcare professional in Oregon

The beautiful state of Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscape of lush forests, gorgeous lakes, and scenic bikeways. Oregon is known as a senior-friendly state with convenient access to the Pacific Coast and several activities to keep seniors busy. It has a particularly large concentration of people aged 65 and over (almost 20%). Many of these older residents will require care in the coming years, making home healthcare an excellent career choice in Oregon.

Healthcare support is one of the fastest-growing occupational groups in Oregon, with a 21% 10-year job growth rate. That’s because Oregon has a unique model that encourages care to be provided within a home or community setting for as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a home healthcare worker in this beautiful state.

What is home healthcare work?

Home healthcare is a wide range of services provided to seniors (or disabled persons), so they can continue living in their homes instead of moving to a residential facility.

A home healthcare aide assists with activities of daily living, such as helping with personal care like bathing, eating, providing medication reminders, and monitoring the individual’s health. But as well as that, home care aides also provide companionship.

How much does an Oregon home health care aide earn?

According to the American employment marketplace ZipRecruiter, on average, home health aides in Oregon can make up to $15 an hour or almost $32,000 annually. Top health aides make as much as $20 an hour or over $42,000 a year.

What does it take to become a home health care worker in Oregon?

Before pursuing a career in home healthcare, ensure you are ready for the role to be sure that you will be happy and successful in this area of work. Here are some crucial considerations:

Responsible: as a home healthcare worker, you will be responsible for people’s lives and be ready to tackle any eventuality. For example, you might expect to walk into a home and find the patient in respiratory distress instead of healthy.

Compassionate: Compassion, along with patience, kindness, and caring nature, is important. You will be working closely with people who may be chronically sick, elderly, or even disabled.

Fit: As a home healthcare aide, you might be required to lift and carry patients as required. Being physically fit can help you easily lift and move patients when required.

Clinical skills: There are skills you will use daily and then skills you will require in an emergency. Mastery of basic clinical skills, such as dealing with respiratory distress, a high temperature, or even a fall, is a must.

Working alone: as a home healthcare professional, you won’t be surrounded by your coworkers. You might spend several days without outside contact and isolated. Being able to work independently, without assistance, is another important characteristic.

Proactive: Home healthcare professionals work with a doctor. Doctors want and expect healthcare aides to be proactive regarding their patients’ health. That includes providing treatment recommendations rather than relying on the doctor for a solution. For example, rather than calling the doctor and saying, “Your patient has a high fever, what should I do?” you will be expected to say, “Your patient has a fever, and this is what I recommend…”. In this regard, all home healthcare professionals require attention to detail and the ability to follow protocols and instructions.

Reliable transportation: As a home healthcare aide, you will be required to make multiple calls during the day. Relying on public transport is never a good idea, and having your own car is advisable.

Health care insurance: If you want to pursue a home healthcare career, consider getting Oregon health care insurance. You can find more information here.

How to become a certified home healthcare worker in Oregon

To become a home health aide in Oregon, you will require an entry-level high school diploma or equivalent education. You must complete a state-approved training program with at least 75 hours of instruction (classroom + clinical training). The training will include basic nursing skills, infection and infection control, and communication (both with patients and their families).

Once you have completed your training program successfully, you will be required to pass written and practical exams. The exams will test you on the necessary skills and knowledge needed to provide effective and safe care to individuals in their homes.

After you have passed your exams (written and practical), you can apply for certification from the Oregon State Board of Nursing. You will be required to provide proof of completion of the training program and your competency evaluation. Oregon also requires that you furnish other documentation, like a criminal background check. Once you have received your certification, you can start working with patients in their homes.

Continued education throughout your career is mandatory to help you stay up-to-date on the latest home healthcare practices and techniques.

Conclusion

If you are considering becoming a home healthcare aide in Oregon, you are in luck. There are growing opportunities in this field within the state. You can have a successful and rewarding career as a home healthcare aide with the right skills, competencies, and training.