Certified Nursing Assistant, Hospice

JOB SUMMARY

The Certified Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The Certified Nursing Assistant is a certified nursing assistant licensed in Washington with direct patient care experience in the last 24 months. The Certified Nursing Assistant works under the direct supervision of the RN Case Manager and performs various services for the patient as necessary to meet the patient’s personal needs and to promote comfort. The Certified Nursing Assistant is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed.

By maintaining high standards of excellence, a qualified hospice CNA will demonstrate the ability to support and further a patient-centered care culture. He/She will demonstrate the core values of WhidbeyHealth. These include working cooperatively with colleagues while supporting and meeting WhidbeyHealth’s goals for patient satisfaction, Standards of Behavior, and national quality core measures.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS

• Performs duties as assigned by the supervising RN according to the patient’s plan of care; including but not limited to baths, oral hygiene, nail care, foot care, skin care, pressure relief, dressing patient, feeding and transferring patient. May prepare light meals and perform light housekeeping.
  • Provides proper care and observation of patient’s skin to prevent breakdown of tissue.
  • Meets safety needs of patients using equipment safely and appropriately (wheelchairs, oxygen, etc).
  • Assist patients with toileting, as needed.
  • Provides assistance as assigned with light laundry needs, including keeping the patient’s living area clean and orderly.
  • Completes post-mortem care.
• Assists in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the RN Case Manager or therapist; performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extension of service as ordered.
• Takes and records accurate body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered.
• Promptly reports on patient’s condition and other significant changes to the assigned RN case manager; maintains awareness of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• Contacts patient and the Hospice Manager whenever unable to visit a patient as scheduled; gives a full report to covering staff concerning patient care, visit times etc.
• Documents appropriately according to the Plan of Care and submits all documentation per Hospice policy.
• Notifies management of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Attends required in-services and meetings as identified by the Hospice Manager and per CMS Conditions of Participation.
• Practices tact, patience and compassion.
• Other duties may be assigned.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, the Certified Nursing Assistant will have the following skill set:

• Ability to correlate observations and symptoms to a stated diagnosis.
• Understands and applies basic infection control principles and procedures.
• Ability to think critically and analytically, and function independently.
• Speaks clearly in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; responds well to questions.
• Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; presents numerical data accurately; able to read and interpret written information.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Responds promptly to patient’s needs; solicits feedback to improve service.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships.
• Demonstrates empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
• Exhibits calm and professional behavior when in a patients’ home.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Basic computer skills.

Education

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

Training and Experience

• Minimum one-year full-time experience in direct patient care in an institutional setting.
• One-year full-time experience within the last five years in direct client care in an agency setting.
• Hospice experience preferred.
• Satisfactory completion of a competency evaluation program that complies with State standards.
• Understands hospice philosophy: comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Washington State DOH CNA Certification required.
• Current BLS HCP required.
• Maintain a valid WA State Driver’s License, personal insurance, and is insurable with the District’s insurance carrier.
• Must complete the required disclosure statement and pass a criminal history background check upon hire and every two (2) years thereafter.