Hospice Aide

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

Essential Functions

1. Performs the following or similar patient-care tasks in accordance with the plan of care developed by the RN:
   1. Temperature, pulse and respiration,
   2. Sponge, tub, shower and/or bed baths; shampoo in sink, tub, shower and/or bed,
   3. Oral hygiene, nail and skin care, back rubs; assist with use of bedpan or urinal,
   4. Making an occupied bed,
   5. Range of motion exercises, positioning, transferring, ambulating,
   6. Performance of simple procedures as an extension of therapy or nursing services,
   7. Assistance with ambulation or exercise,
   8. Assistance with medications that are ordinarily self-administered, as set up by the caregiver/family,
   9. Setting up meals, assistance with feeding in accordance with facility policies (when applicable),
   10. Assists patients with light household services essential to health care at home. such as preparing light meals, washing dishes, dusting furniture, etc.
   11. Maintains a safe environment and observes appropriate infection control precautions.
2. Assists in maintaining or improving the patient's independent functioning as patient condition allows.
3. Reinforces the patient's proper use of assistive devices.
4. Informs the Manager, Service Operations (or designee) or RN of changes in the patient's condition, needs or patient/family issues.
5. Interacts and communicates with patients, caregivers, interdisciplinary team (IDT) team members, volunteers, and external customers.
6. Documents patient care following established organizational standards and submits documentation in accordance with policies.
7. Communicates complete and accurate information to team disciplines in a timely manner.
8. Acts as a resource for staff members, and orients new staff as needed.
9. Works collaboratively and actively participates in team functions and meetings.
10. Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of in-service education and training programs annually, to comply with the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987.
11. Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.
12. Adjusts to changes in workload and schedules based on changing departmental organizational priorities.
13. 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

1. High school diploma or GED preferred.
2. Current CNA certification required.
3. One (1) or two (2) years' experience as a home health/hospice aide or nurse aide preferred.
4. Completion of a home health/hospice aide training and competency-evaluation program or an in-house competency-evaluation program.
5. 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.
6. Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.
7. Must demonstrate the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
8. 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.
9. Must be able to cope with family/caregiver emotional stress, cultural diversity and be tolerant of individual life-styles.
10. Proof of current tuberculin testing required. Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.
11. Must have reliable transportation.
12. Must be eligible to work in the United States.