Bridgeway Hospice
Job Title: Certified Hospice Aide, Weekends
Division: Hospice
Report to: Clinical Director
Classification: Non-Exempt
Position Overview
The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the home care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or therapist and performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the patient’s needs. The hospice aide is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.
The hospice aide will be assigned by a Registered Nurse in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient’s care.
Essential Job Functions
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
Must be able to remain in a stationary position and move intermittently throughout the work day
Must have reliable transportation to travel to patient homes per patient schedule and agency needs
Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
Must practice regular and dependable attendance per company policy and procedure
Must be able to (or assist with) lift, turn, move and position patients
Must be able to communicate and function in a home care team
Using effective body mechanics, must be able to lift 40 lbs. floor to waist; lift 10 lbs. waist to shoulder; lift and carry 40 lbs.; and push/pull 40 lbs.; and use visual acuity and hearing to perform required aide duties
Must be able to knowledgeably and competently deliver personal care to patients
Must be able to follow physician orders and aide care plans for patients
Specific Requirements
Must have excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills
Must have valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance, and automobile in good working condition
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given
Must understand and follow company policies and procedures
Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel
Must have satisfactory references from previous employers
Must have empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail, and impaired
Must be self-directed with the ability to work with little direct supervision
Must be able to multi task and accept additional duties as assigned
Must demonstrate tact, patience, and good personal hygiene
Must successfully complete 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 associate
Education and Experience
Meets the training requirements in accordance with state and federal laws
At least 18 years of age
Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given
Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision
Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired
Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill
Possess and maintains current CPR certification
Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene
Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Organization requirements and is in good working order
Note: Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training program that meets the requirements of CFR 484.36(a) and a competency evaluation program, or state licensure program that meets the requirements of CFR 484.36(b), or a competency evaluation program or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b).
Job Limitations
The hospice aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the state's 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 nurse, such as sterile techniques.
Working Conditions
Will work in and travel to patient homes as well as agency office
Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours
Subject to frequent interruptions
Attends and participates in continuing education programs
Possible exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses
Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, caregivers, etc.
May work beyond normal working hours, weekends, and holidays as needed and in other positions temporarily as necessary
Involved with patients, associates, caregivers, government agencies/personnel, etc. under various circumstance
General Responsibilities
Providing personal care including but not limited to:
Baths
Back rubs
Oral hygiene
Shampoos
Changing bed linen
Assisting patients with dressing and undressing
Skin care to prevent breakdown
Assisting the patient with toileting activities
Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate
Planning and preparing nutritious meals
Assisting in feeding the patient, if necessary
Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency)Assisting in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care
Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency)
Assisting patient in the self-administration of medication
Doing patient’s laundry, as appropriate
Meeting safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.)
Reporting on patient’s condition and significant changes to the assigned nurse
Adhering to the Organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct
Performs only hospice aide tasks as assigned by the nurse or therapist
Communicates changes in patient condition with the RN or therapist. Documents changes on hospice aide note
Participates in care conferences and mandatory staff meetings
Participates in holiday and weekend rotation as appropriate
Maintains confidentiality of patient information at all times
Follows standard precautions, safe body mechanics, and infection control procedures in patient care
Meets productivity standards and communicates change in schedule to Clinical Director/office
Submits DARs, clinical notes per agency policy
Communicates effectively with patients and caregivers. Handles patient complaints as appropriate or refers complaint to supervisor
Protects privacy of patient during patient care
Contacts patients prior to hospice visit to schedule time of visit
As patient improves and is able to provide more self-care, communicates with RN or therapist so that hospice care plan may be altered as appropriate