Certified Nursing Assistant

Hospice Aide

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 by a Registered Nurse in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care.

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. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
• 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 (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
• 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.
• Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, 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 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 hospice nurse or therapist.
• 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.
• Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• 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.
• Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• 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

• 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.
• Satisfactory references from previous employers.
• 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.
• Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Good oral and written communications
• Good organizational skills

Working Conditions

• Community home environment
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• In and out of automobile