BASIC SUMMARY

Provides personal care and light housekeeping services to terminally ill patients in the home, nursing facility, inpatient units or other environments where the Hospice patient resides in accordance with an established plan of care and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Actively participates as a member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Provides care and comfort to patients in accordance with assigned tasks and established IDT and Hospice Aide plan of care. Observes the patient, reports and documents observations and care performed. Provides timely documentation of services based on the patient’s care plan.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for performing and documenting all duties assigned by the Hospice RN or Director of Nursing.
2. Observes records and reports the patient’s care, symptoms, emotional and physical status.
3. Provides personal care
4. Assists in feeding the patient as needed.
5. Documents appropriately according to the patient’s plan of care and submit all documentation per agency policy.
6. Keeps a record of hospice aide/homemaker plan of care for each patient assigned.
7. Watches, observes and reports any physical and gross behavioral changes in the patient’s condition or family situation to the RN.
8. Follows the visit schedule and indicates changes in schedule and reports those to the agency, as appropriate.
9. Promptly contacts patients and the agency supervisor whenever unable to visit a patient as scheduled and will give full report to covering aides concerning patient care, visit times, etc.
10. Communicates appropriately with the patient/family and agency personnel.
11. Obtains vital signs, if needed or ordered, records and notifies the primary RN of deviations according to standard practice.
12. Assists in ambulation, transfers and exercise (which has been taught by a health professional of the agency) according to the plan of care.
13. Performs range of motion and other simple procedures within the Hospice Aide/Homemaker scope of care, as needed.
14. Incidental household services, which are essential to the patient health care.
15. Does patient laundry, as appropriate.
16. Meets safety needs of patients.
17. Understands and applies basic infection control principles and procedures. Contacts supervisor with any concerns related to infection control.
18. Follows the patient’s plan of care as instructed by the agency’s healthcare professional.
19. Attends and participates in regularly scheduled Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings to coordinate plan of care, follow up on changes and other communication, problem-solve, receive staff support and in-service education.
20. With respect to patient rights, ensures all care is provided with respect and dignity to patients and their families, reports all complaints made by patients and or families to the appropriate supervisors, reports all allegations of abuse, misappropriation of patient property and any other compliance issues immediately.
21. Must adhere to all policies, procedures, terms and conditions set forth in the Staff Member Handbook as well as any facility handbook including but not limited to corporate compliance, drug free workplace, safe work practices, and all federal, state, local regulations and laws.
22. Demonstrates and maintains a positive, professional manner, manages time efficiently and effectively, promotes a team approach, and participates in appropriate problem solving methods.
23. Participates in Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, as indicated.

Performs other duties as assigned but the Hospice Aide/Homemaker WILL NOT do any of the following:

1. WILL NOT change a dressing or perform wound care
2. WILL NOT irrigate body cavities such as giving an enema
3. WILL NOT irrigate a colostomy or a wound
4. WILL NOT perform gastric lavage or gavage
5. WILL NOT catheterize a patient
6. WILL NOT administer medications
7. WILL NOT apply heat by any method
8. WILL NOT care for a tracheotomy tube
9. WILL NOT cut or file nails
10. WILL NOT provide any personal health service not been included by the health care professional (supervising nurse) in the patient care plan.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Must have completed the 9th grade, with ability to read or write at an adequate level. High school graduates and/or GED preferred
2. Completion of a training program as outlined under the Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation 418.76 and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, certification by the Board of Nursing in accordance with N.J.S.A 45:11-23 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 13:37, and proof of the certification as a Hospice Aide/Homemaker from the program for inclusion in the agency personnel file (per 8:42C-7.5).
3. Must demonstrate skills and have a passing score on a written competency test in accordance with 42 C.F.R. Section 484.36 or 418.76© prior to working independently with a patient.
4. Minimum age requirement of eighteen (18).
5. Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience in an institutional or home care setting required with community health/hospice experience preferred.
6. Must demonstrate the ability to be able to work within a multidisciplinary team setting.
7. Understanding of Hospice philosophy and needs of terminally ill.
8. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with New Jersey requirements.
9. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.
10. Satisfactory criminal background and national sex offender checks.