Hospice Aide

Job Summary: Provides basic personal care and homemaking services as directed by the Manager, Service Operations (or designee) or RN.

Essential Functions

• Performs the following or similar patient-care tasks in accordance with the plan of care developed by the RN:

• Temperature, pulse and respiration,

• Sponge, tub, shower and/or bed baths; shampoo in sink, tub, shower and/or bed,

• Oral hygiene, nail and skin care, back rubs; assist with use of bedpan or urinal,

• Making an occupied bed,

• Range of motion exercises, positioning, transferring, ambulating,

• Performance of simple procedures as an extension of therapy or nursing services,

• Assistance with ambulation or exercise,

• Assistance with medications that are ordinarily self-administered, as set up by the caregiver/family,

• Setting up meals, assistance with feeding in accordance with facility policies (when applicable),

• Assists patients with light household services essential to health care at home. such as preparing light meals, washing dishes, dusting furniture, etc.

• Maintains a safe environment and observes appropriate infection control precautions.

• Assists in maintaining or improving the patient’s independent functioning as patient condition allows.

• Reinforces the patient’s proper use of assistive devices.

• Informs the Manager, Service Operations (or designee) or RN of changes in the patient’s condition, needs or patient/family issues.

• Interacts and communicates with patients, caregivers, interdisciplinary team (IDT) team members, volunteers, and external customers.

• Documents patient care following established organizational standards and submits documentation in accordance with policies.

• Communicates complete and accurate information to team disciplines in a timely manner.

• Acts as a resource for staff members, and orients new staff as needed.

• Works collaboratively and actively participates in team functions and meetings.

• Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of in-service education and training programs annually, to comply with the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987.

• Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.

• Adjusts to changes in workload and schedules based on changing departmental organizational priorities.

• Participates in internal and external education, training, in-services, quality improvement initiatives, meetings, team functions and other activities to promote personal and professional growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Current CNA certification required.

• One (1) or two (2) years’ experience as a home health/hospice aide or nurse aide preferred.

• Completion of a home health/hospice aide training and competency-evaluation program or an in-house competency-evaluation program.

• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and be able to effectively communicate in internal and external relationships for all essential job functions.

• Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.

• Must demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, be a team player, have sound judgment; effective organizational, communication, prioritization and follow-through skills; attention to detail; accuracy; dependability; tact; and ability to maintain confidential information.

• Must be able to cope with family/caregiver emotional stress, cultural diversity and be tolerant of individual life-styles.

• Proof of current tuberculin testing required. Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.

• Must have reliable transportation.

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.