Job Title/Position: Certified Hospice Aide

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor or Case Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. Performing personal care needs after 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.

2. Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side

rails, O2 etc.)

3. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed

linen as often as assigned.

4. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.

5. Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.

6. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.

7. Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood

pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.

8. Providing proper care and observation of patient’s skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over

bony prominence.

9. Reporting on patient’s condition and significant changes to the Case Manager. Also aware

of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.

10. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.

11. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with

light laundry needs.

12. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service

as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.

13. Providing respite for patient’s/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.

14. Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as assigned.

15. Adhering to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of

personal and professional conduct.

16. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.

17. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient’s personal needs.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and

responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to

perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Meets the training requirements of the State.

2. 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).

3. Shows proof of registration on the Home Care Aide Registry through the Department of

Social Services, Home Care Services Bureau, preferred.

4. At least 18 years of age.

5. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.

6. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.

7. Satisfactory references from previous employers.

8. 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.

9. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

10. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.

11. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.

12. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization

requirements and is in good working order.

JOB LIMITATIONS

The hospice aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to

the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the hospice aide 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.

SKILLS REQUIRED

1. Good oral and written communications

2. Good organizational skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Community home environment

2. Exposure to infectious diseases

3. In and out of automobile

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Medical specialties:

• Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Standard shift:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift

Supplemental schedule:

• On call

Weekly schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• JCAHO accredited facility
• Outpatient

Application Question(s):

• Are you familiar with HospiceMD computer software?

Experience:

• Hospice care: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• 2nd language (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Home Health Aide License (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• La Puente, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: On the road