Certified Hospice Aide

Job Title/Position: Certified Hospice Aide

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor or Case Manager

Position 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 in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient’s care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care:

1. 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
2. Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
3. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned
4. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned
5. Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
6. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
7. Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
8. Providing proper care and observation of patient’s skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
9. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
10. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
11. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
12. Providing respite for patient’s/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
13. Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
14. Adhering to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
15. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient’s personal needs.

Communication:

1. 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.
2. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Meets the training requirements of the State.

2. Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(a) and a competency evaluation program, or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b), or a competency evaluation program or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b).

3. Shows proof of registration on the Home Care Aide Registry through the Department of Social Services, Home Care Services Bureau, preferred.

4. At least 18 years of age.

5. Satisfactory references from previous employers.

6. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.

7. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.

SKILLS REQUIRED

1. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.

2. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision. Secure with issues of death/dying. Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home.

3. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

4. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.

Compliance:

1.  Acknowledge my obligation and agreement to fulfill those duties and responsibilities as set forth in the Code of Conduct and Compliance Policies and to be bound by these standards.
2. Certify that throughout my association with EH I will comply with the terms of the Code of Conduct and Compliance Policies.
3. Understand that violations of the Code of Conduct and Compliance Policies may lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.