Hospice CNA

Job Summary:

The Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides personal care, support, and assistance to terminally ill patients in a compassionate, respectful, and professional manner. This role involves assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring their condition, supporting families, and ensuring a safe and clean environment. The Hospice CNA follows the hospice philosophy and works closely with the interdisciplinary team to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Personal Care (40%)
   • Provide personal care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, and skin care.
   • Assist with toileting, including the use of lifts, bedpans, and urinals.
   • Assist patients with mobility, transfers, range of motion exercises, and ambulation.
   • Help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for the patient.
2. Monitoring and Documentation (20%)
   • Record vital signs, intake/output, and meal consumption.
   • Document care provided and changes in the patient’s condition.
   • Report any significant changes to the supervising nurse immediately.
3. Family and Caregiver Support (15%)
   • Provide education and emotional support to family members and caregivers.
   • Assist caregivers in developing confidence in caring for their loved ones.
   • Offer bereavement support when needed.
4. Housekeeping and Meal Assistance (10%)
   • Perform light housekeeping tasks, including laundry and changing bed linens.
   • Assist with meal preparation and feeding as necessary.
5. Safety and Compliance (10%)
   • Ensure proper and safe use of medical equipment and report any defective equipment.
   • Follow infection control guidelines and maintain privacy rules and regulations as per HIPAA.
   • Attend all meetings and complete in-services and mandatory training.
   • Provide exceptional customer service and high-quality care by showing compassion and empathy towards patients and their families.
6. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification: Valid South Carolina CNA certification. Must possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of home health or hospice experience preferred.
• Skills: Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care provided. Empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor when dealing with end-of-life care situations. Comfortable providing care for the ill, injured, frail, and impaired. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and turn, move, and transport patients using proper body mechanics and lifting devices as needed.
• Capacity to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and physical activities, such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Work is performed in a healthcare setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and chemicals.
• Must be able to work various shifts, including weekends, holidays as needed.
• 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.  Must be able to travel throughout the service area.