Hospice CNA

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Hospice CNA is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and perform various services for a patient as necessary to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The Hospice CNA is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed. 

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Performing personal care needs after being 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 the safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
• Giving personal care includes baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Light housekeeping and meal preparation.
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
• Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• Report on patients’ 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.
• Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals.
• Assisting with light laundry as needed.
• 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.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Job Limitations

• The Hospice CNA will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the Hospice CNA 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.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in using an iPhone for electronic documentation in the Hospice electronic medical record system.
• Strong problem-solving skills with adaptability, particularly during patient visits.
• Ability to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care in alignment with the hospice philosophy, including specialized care for the terminally ill.
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, clear verbal and written communication, and timely updates to healthcare professionals.
• Competent in all responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Aide, including following written instructions and accurately documenting care provided.
• Self-directed and able to work independently with minimal supervision; maintains a calm demeanor in patient homes and in end-of-life care situations.
• Demonstrates empathy, tact, patience, and professionalism, with good personal hygiene

Core Values:

1. AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing® in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
2. COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
3. COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
4. INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
5. RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
6. TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

The Highlands’ Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):

1. SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
2. KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
3. SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in “character” and performs the “role in the show.” Ensures work area is show-ready.
4. EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• The Hospice CNA position is hourly nonexempt.
• The Hospice CNA is assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity, and safety of a patient's care.
• Standard days and hours of work are from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, weekend days and holidays. Schedule may vary based on caseload.
• Position rotates weekend shifts every other weekend. If working a weekend shift, a day off leading up to the weekend shift will be assigned off and a day after the weekend shift will be assigned off.
• Holidays are covered on a rotating schedule.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school Diploma or GED (Required)
• 1-3 years nurse aide experience with older adults in a long-term care or dementia facility (Preferred)
• PA Nurse Aide Certification (Required)
• CPR Certification (Required)
• Meets the training requirements of the State.
• 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).
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to climb, kneel, pull with force, reach above head, reach above shoulder, push/pull (up to 100 lbs.), lift from floor level up, lift from waist level up, lift above shoulders/head, ability to lift, push, pull with assistance (mechanical or co-worker) the weight of the average patient specific to department, Lifting 25 lbs. maximum and frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens - High Risk
• May be exposed to communicable diseases
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts
• May be exposed to potential electrical shock
• May be exposed to toxic, caustic, chemicals, and / or detergents
• May be exposed to rare occasions during which it is necessary to interact with a resident exhibiting aggressive behavior.