Hospice Aide

Department: Hospice Joint Venture SVH
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 1.000000
Base Wage $24.89 to $36.09
Location: Hospice of the Northwest

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The Hospice Care Aide works under the supervision of the licensed professional staff. Provides services as outlined on the Hospice Care Aide care plan. Aide care includes personal care, bathing, shampoo, nail care and use of adaptive equipment in the home, homemaking and various respite duties. Care also includes continuous care as needed or assigned . The Hospice Aide provides care wherever the patient calls home, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities and adult family homes.

Essential Functions
Coordinates with Case Manager on Hospice Aide Care Plan implementation and ongoing development for each Hospice client. Provides patient, family and caregivers education as instructed by the patient's case manager. Assists with personal care utilizing correct bathing techniques to provide complete patient care (head to toe), whether the patient is bed dependent or mobile. Accurately prepares and submits documentation according to agency standards. Appropriately utilizes electronic medical record capabilities. Operates independently on a daily basis scheduling appointments and communicating with patient, family and caregivers. Attends and actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings (IDT). Communicates with interdisciplinary team and office support team as needed to improve comfort and promote safety and support. Regularly meets with hospice care aide staff to review issues, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed towards enhancing professional growth. Assists RN or Care Giver with basic nursing procedures. Identifies needs and changes unique to the patient and/or family, and then reports these findings to the Case Manager or Clinical Coordinator for further follow-up as assigned by the Case Manager or Clinical Coordinator. Remains familiar with a patient's End-Stage Dying Process, and recognizes when to call the Case Manager or Clinical Coordinator if the patient or Care Giver is in need of additional Hospice support. Safely transfers and ambulates patients using established protocols and techniques. Assists with identifying and problem solving quality improvement issues by participating in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee, process, chart review, and the education of staff. As requested, participates in orientation of new personnel, and if qualified serves as a preceptor. Informs the Program Manager or designee of unusual or potentially problematic issues. Shares in weekend rotation to provide care for patient/families when necessary. Manages incontinence supply needs for patients during visits. Operates a motorized vehicle in a professional and respectful manner, being careful to obey all traffic laws, consistent with the laws of Washington State. Maintains an awareness of and follows agency standards regarding medication administration and understands Washington State Home Health Aide license limitations relative to patient care, etc. Also follows nurse delegation policies. Recognizes when patients are in a state of pain and/or agitation, or if their condition changes in any manner and communicates with the RN or Care Giver on a timely basis. Complies with all SVH/Hospice policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience/Training
Minimum one year experience as a nursing assistant required.

License/Certifications
Current Washington State Nursing Assistant Registered or Certified Nursing Assistant required. Current American Heart Association (AHA) healthcare provider BLS certification required. Current Washington State Driver License and automobile liability insurance required.

Other Skills
Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Must be organized, have the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload. Ability to effectively and professionally establish and maintain positive interactions between staff, patients, families and other healthcare providers. Computer skills required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and driving all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in a variety of communities and patient homes for which there is little control over environmental conditions.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.