Job Summary

Provides personal care for terminally ill persons under the direction of the Senior Nursing Manager. Supports family members in caring for the patient.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Successful completion of state approved Nursing Assistant training program, preferably with home health practical training.
• Current registration on the Kentucky Nursing Assistant Registry.
• Successful completion of HHA competency evaluation by Hospice of Lake Cumberland.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a patient care position in a hospital, nursing home or home care setting.
• Ability to access patient’s home independently.

Position Relationships

• Supervised by Director of Clinical Services or Senior Nursing Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides direct personal care to patients in order to maintain highest level of comfort, safety and quality of life.

• Provides personal hygienic care to patients in the home, Nursing Home setting or at our Jean Waddle Care Center. 
• Performs routine nursing procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse. These may include, but are not limited to, enemas, catheter care, range of motion exercises, body positioning and alignment, and decubitus care.
• Accurately monitors and documents vital signs.
• Responds to the physical, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families within scope of practice.
• May demonstrate for families the use of medical equipment employing proper body mechanics.
• Assists the patient to participate in activities of daily living as long as possible.
• Assists patient with ambulation and/or transfer.
• Demonstrates to patient/family proper body positioning and skin care techniques that promote optimal comfort and skin integrity.
• Communicates pertinent observations to the RN or Nursing Coordinator, including changes in pain and other symptoms.
• Provides temporary respite to patient’s family, allowing relief from total care responsibility for patient’s needs.
• May assist with meal preparation and feeding as indicated.
• May perform light housekeeping duties as necessary to maintain a safe, healthy environment for patient and family.
• Delivers supplies and pharmaceuticals to patient’s homes.
• Performs other duties as assigned within scope of educational training and ability.
• May be required to work in the inpatient unit.

Participates as a member of the IDT in meeting the needs of the total patient population.

• Checks with Nursing Coordinator daily for assignments and directions for team support activities for that day.
• Documents care and observations in the patient’s medical record in a legible and timely manner.
• Attends weekly IDT meetings, bringing issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.
• Provides bereavement support to families by attending visitation or funeral services when possible.
• Participates in the provision of Crisis Care, providing support to patient and family during a crisis or unstable situation.

Contributes to the overall success of Hospice by cooperating in other organizational requirements and activities.

• Communicates information concerning work schedule and need for time off to Nursing Coordinator.
• May assist with other clerical and housekeeping duties within the office as assigned.
• Attends monthly staff meetings.
• Attends in-service programs and other available offerings to meet licensure requirements.
• Participates in Performance Improvement and other organizational committees and special projects as assigned.
• Demonstrates familiarity with Hospice policies and State and Federal regulations governing provision of Hospice care.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.