Certified Hospice Aide Jobs

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Taking and recording oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• 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.
• Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
• Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders”.
• Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, oxygen, etc).
• Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• Adhering to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient’s personal needs.
• Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
• Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Providing respite for patient’s/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• 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.
• Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
• 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 Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
• Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
• Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Successfully completes a probationary period. This probationary period is to ensure the aide is competent in the above qualifications, and is documented by the supervisor and the employee.
• Possess and maintains current CPR certification.
• Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail, and the impaired.
• Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training. Sixteen hours of classroom training must be completed prior to a mandatory sixteen hours of practical training.
• Meets the training requirements of the State.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
• Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
• Satisfactory references from previous employers.
• At least 18 years of age.
• 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.