JOB 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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attend to his/her requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
• Meet safety needs of the patient and use equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2, etc.).
• Give personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• Assist in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
• Assist in feeding the patient as assigned.
• Take and record oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Provide proper care and observation of the patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• Report on the patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager. Also, be aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• Assist in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
• Offer and assist with bedpans and urinals. Provide assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
• Perform range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• Provide respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• Keep the patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
• Adhere to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.
• 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.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Successful completion of 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).
• Meets the training requirements of the State.
• 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.
• 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.
• Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail, and the impaired.
• Possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
• Licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Good oral and written communications.
• Good organizational skills.