Home Health Aide (weekend 7:00PM-7:00AM)

Reports To: IPU Supervisor

Works closely with all staff RN's, APRN's, & LPN's receiving instructions/direction as necessary. Works closely with all CNA staff.

Location: Inpatient Care Unit 

  JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Hospice Aide/Homemaker is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various services for a patient as necessary to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The Hospice Aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The Hospice Aide/Homemaker will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care.

  POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of a recognized Nursing Assistant training program.

Experience: One year of full-time experience in a hospital or nursing facility with satisfactory reference from previous employer; Hospice experience preferred.

Competencies:

• Possesses current Louisiana Driver's License, Automobile Liability Coverage and CPR cert.
• Good physical stamina, mental health and personal hygiene habits.
• Presents pre-employment medical clearance, including TB and background screening.
• Ability to read, follow directions, work independently, and operate mobile documentation device.
• Understands Hospice philosophy of care and has empathy for the ill and dying, along with their loved ones.

  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Hospice Aide

• Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
• Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (side rails, 02 etc.)
• Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• Performing simple one-step wound care, when documentation of in-service for the specific procedure in the Hospice Aide personnel record. All procedures performed by the Hospice Aide shall be in compliance with current standards of nursing practice.
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Planning, preparing and assistance in feeding the patient nutritious meals as assigned.
• Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominences.
• Reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the RN Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the RN Case Manager or therapist.
• Offering and assisting with bedpans/urinals. Provide assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
• Provide assistance with mobility, transferring, walking, range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• Keeping patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
• Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.

  Homemaker

• Assists patients in self-care activities.
• Provides homemaking activities for the terminally ill.
• Observes the patient for changes in general physical and mental conditions. Reports any changes noted to the Clinical Supervisor.
• Keeps the private home clean and orderly.
• Plans meals and purchases food and household supplies, as appropriate.
• Prepares and serves nutritious meals according to the family's needs and the patient's plan of care.
• Washes dishes and cleans the kitchen after meals.
• Assists the family in the practice of safety, hygiene, and good nutrition where possible.
• Provides for cleaning of laundry.
• Adheres to the documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.

JOB ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF JOB

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Employee may be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in all weather conditions. Employees may also be exposed to dust, fumes or gases. Must drive in various weather conditions on roads in varying degrees of repair.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Employee may be exposed to infections/contagious diseases. May have contact with patients under a variety of circumstances. May be near moving equipment.

Handles emergency crisis situations. Travel required.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): See "Required PPE by Task" sheet.

OSHA EXPOSURE CATEGORY: III

Please review each category below, an X is placed in any area which applies to job performance.

Job Requires:

1. Job requires organization personnel to lift/carry:

Job requires organization personnel to push/pull:

At work, organization personnel use feet for repetitive movements, i.e., foot controls:

 Right:         Yes    X     No        Left:        Yes    X     No       Both:         Yes    X     No

At work, organization personnel use hands for repetitive actions such as: