Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Description Summary  

The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group 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 will be assigned by a Case Manager in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care. 

 Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities 

Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following: 

•  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. 
• Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality. 
• Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.) 
•  Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned. 
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned. 
• Assist with preparation of nutritious meals as requested. 
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned. 
• Taking and recording oral, and auxiliary 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 prominence. 
• Assessing and reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the 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 hospice nurse or therapist. 
•  Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed. 
•  Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.” 
•  Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals.  Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs. 
•  Performing 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. 

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description. 

Position Qualifications 

• Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training and be at least 18 years of age.  Sixteen hours of classroom must be completed prior to a mandatory 16 hours of practical training. 
•  Must possess and maintains current CPR certification. 
•  Ability to red and follow written instructions and must document care given. 
•  Knowledge or corporate business management, governmental regulations and ACHC standards. 
•  Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.  Driving is required throughout hours worked. 
•  Demonstrates excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, and basic math skills. 
•  Prolonged or considerable walking or standing.  Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients.  Able to lift supplies and equipment.  Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching.  Visual Acuity and hearing to perform required certified nursing assistant skills. 
•  Complies with accepted professional standards and practice. 
•  Shows ability to organize and prioritize independently, make judgements based on assessments and data available, and act accordingly.  Must be flexible, innovative, and possess good interpersonal skills.  Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability. 
• Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to: odors, blood, body fluids and excrement, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials. 
• Ability to work as a member of the interdisciplinary group. 
• Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values. 
• Knowledge of commitment to hospice philosophy of care. 

Job Limitations 

The hospice aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the Nurse Practice Act.  Specifically, the hospice aide will not administer medications, take physician's orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a licensed nurse, such as sterile techniques. 

Skills Required 

• Good oral and written communications  
• Good organizational skills 

Working Conditions

• Community home environment  
• Exposure to infectious diseases  
• In and out of automobile often throughout working hours