JOB SUMMARY 

The Hospice Aide works under the supervision of the Professional Registered Nurse to provide a variety of basic patient care activities to meet personal needs and comfort to patients. Care is based on Hospice Aide’s level of registration and agency policies and procedures. The patient population can include newborns through geriatric patients. The Hospice Aide assists in clerical and stocking duties for the department or agency. Performs other duties as assigned.

 PRIMARY JOB DUTIES 

1. Competently performs a variety of basic patient care activities under the supervision of the RN to meet the personal needs and comfort of patients. Hospice aide supervision must include following the Plan of Care, task competency, compliance with infection control and reporting changes in patient condition. In addition, aide must have a competency evaluation by an RN every 14 days to evaluate services of aide. The aide does not need to be present when RN evaluates services. 

2. Appropriately documents and communicates all required information in accordance with agency policies and procedures. 

3. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently. 

4. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance team performance. 

5. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team. 

6. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction. 

7. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare on a daily basis. 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS 

1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent and completion of Hospice Aide course. Must attend 12 hours of in-service training supervised by a Registered Nurse on a rolling 12-month basis. Competency of the hospice aide is assessed in the home every 14 days. The hospice aide does not need to be present unless there is an area of concern. Otherwise, an onsite evaluation occurs once a year. Has not had a lapse of 24 consecutive months where the aide has not provided services for compensation.

2. Licensure / Certifications: Current certification with State Board of Nursing, or current registration with Department of Facilities Service in the State of North Carolina/ South Carolina.

3. Experience: Minimum of two years experience and at least one year in home care or by other individuals under general supervision of a Registered Nurse. Previous HA experience in a hospice, home health, or oncology preferred.

4. Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Must be able to demonstrate sufficient dexterity to take patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.) and to measure patient intake and output. Ability to speak clearly for patient communication. Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, families, physicians and staff to effectively care for the patients.

6. Essential Physical Requirements: Assisting patients with activities of daily living that require pushing, moving, or lifting. Positioning of patients, giving patient’s bath, ambulating patients requires much physical effort. Must be able to use proper body mechanics to lift at least 45 pounds. Ability to drive an automobile.

7. Essential Mental Abilities: The ability to follow detailed and diverse instructions for assisting several patients in the daily living routine requires long and short-term memory. Ability to perform duties without on-sight supervision.

8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Must be able to visually assess patients. Utilize sight for documenting and ambulating patients. Utilize hearing to take blood pressures and effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and staff.

9. Exposure to Hazards: Frequent exposure to blood and body fluids, infectious diseases, needle puncture wounds. May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting. May encounter patients and other situations that present a potential threat to personal safety. May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10. Other - Hours of Work: Flexible schedule to accommodate staffing needs, which may include weekends/holidays, rotating shifts and on-call. Overtime only as approved

11. Population Served: All patient populations from infants through geriatric with life limiting illness.

12. Driving: Will be required to drive. Must have reliable transportation. Will be subject to the Safe Driver Policy.