JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The home health and 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 aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities of the home health and 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, and document the communication.

• 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 and snacks/fluids as assigned.

• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.

• Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary 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.

• Reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager.

• Aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient, interpersonal issues and works to teach them regarding the POC as appropriate.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Meets the training requirements of the State.

• Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed 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).

• 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-directed 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.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Driving a motor vehicle at intervals between patients, sometimes for an hour or more, and in all types of terrain, road conditions, and weather conditions.

• Prolonged or considerable walking or standing, sometimes on uneven ground or in unfamiliar areas that may be wet or icy.

• Able to lift, position, and/or transfer patients.

• Able to lift supplies and equipment.

• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching.

• Visual acuity and hearing to perform required skills.

• May be exposed to cigarette smoke, perfumes, unpleasant odors, dogs, cats, or other animals that may be present in patients’ homes.