Last Updated on March 22, 2021
The human services field covers a wide range of professional opportunities. These professions may vary in opportunities and advancement depending on education, training and certification. Direct care professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system. Direct care professionals provide some of the most important services for the elderly and the disabled on a daily basis.
Direct care professionals provide
assistance with daily activities such as housekeeping and preparing food. These
services may be provided in the home or in a care facility. Direct service
providers have the most contact with clients and perform more physical care
such as assistance with dressing, bathing, etc. These professionals are
critical as they serve on the front line to ensure the health and safety of the
disabled.
Service coordinators and regulatory
agencies depend on direct care staff to provide services and implement
treatment plan goals. Direct service providers often provide progress reports
that are important to agencies responsible for monitoring the quality of care
and ensuring that services are provided as planned. Direct care professionals
are often the first to notice signs of abuse or neglect and they can provide
information that could potentially save a life.
Working as a direct care professional is a
rewarding experience. It is a highly respected field, as they perform tasks
that may be difficult for the average person (i.e. bathing, changing, etc.).
The opportunities have a wide range depending on education and training.
Typical Direct Care
Professionals
Certified Nursing
Assistant (CNA) - CNAs provide
care to the elderly and the disabled in the home or in care facilities. They
provide basic assistance such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with
positioning. They may also take vital signs. The CNA must have a GED or high
school diploma and complete a CNA certification program. These programs can
range from a few weeks to a two year degree. CNAs also take an exam in order to
complete certification.
Personal Care
Attendants - Personal care
attendants are similar to CNAs and perform basically the same tasks. The
personal care attendant (PCA) may assist the patient in the home or in a
facility. However, PCAs tend to be requested most often in the personal home.
They complete tasks such as assisting with cooking, housekeeping, errands,
bathing and much more. PCAs are often requested to assist patients at home
following surgery or in hospice situations. PCAs typically require a high
school diploma/GED and some training in providing health care. Training
requirements may vary from agency to agency.
Medical Assistant- Medical Assistants perform most of the basic
functions during a doctor visit. They typically take vital signs and conduct
routine health assessments. They often prepare patient documentation and help
with scheduling appointments. In some cases, the assistant spends more time
with the patient that the doctor. The medical assistant is the key to helping
the doctor’s office run smoothly. Medical assistants also go through a program
and a certification process.
Nurse (LPN/RN)- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and
Registered Nurses (RN) provide more advanced forms of direct care. This care
consists of (but not limited to) administering medications, tube feedings,
bandage changing, wound care, etc. The LPN usually completes a one year program
and has to take a state examination. The RN is usually required to complete a
two year program and a state examination. The RN usually serves in a
supervisory capacity over the LPN. They also have the potential to earn higher
salaries than LPNs.
Supported Living Counselor- Supported
living counselors provide services for clients that live in the home. Supported
living counselors assist individuals with intellectual or mental health
disabilities maintain their independence in the community. They assist with
cooking, shopping, money management, and maintaining their living areas. They
also provide specific trainings requested on their treatment plans.
Residential Counselor-
Residential counselors provide counseling and support to individuals living in
group homes or other residential treatment facilities. They assist residents in
day to day activities and occasionally assist in crisis intervention. Depending
on the agency, a two or four year degree in the human services field is
required. Additional training in behavioral management may be required, as they
tend to encounter residents that are physically and verbally aggressive.
Those who decide to become
a direct care professional must have a great deal of compassion for people.
Direct care professionals are in high demand and there are opportunities for
career advancement. Of course, this depends on what type of direct care
profession you pursue. Nurses have the most earning potential but also go
through more extensive training.
Any career path has its
drawbacks. The more direct contact you have with clients, the likelihood of
staff injury or illness also increases. This is especially true in hospitals,
nursing homes, or other residential facilities. Direct care providers are also
more likely to be the target of verbal and physical abuse from clients. Direct
care staff is more susceptible to these threats in residential and psychiatric
facilities. Despite these concerns, the direct care profession remains in high
demand and opportunities for advancement are available with the training and
experience.
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