The hospice aide is a professional member of the hospice 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.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly.
• Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
• Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly.
• Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
• Taking and recording oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• Assessing and reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the RN/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 plan of care.
• Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
• Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as "reminders."
• Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
• 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.
• Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.

Position Qualifications

• Meets the training requirements of the State.
• Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training. Sixteen hours of class room must be completed prior to a mandatory 16 hours of practical training.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
• Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• 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.
• Possess and maintains current CPR certification.