Hospice Aide

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

Our intention is to have employees who are passionate about making their personal mission statement come to life each day at work!  Be it through providing healing, eradicating loneliness, contributing to efficiencies, streamlining processes, being dependable, sparking creativity or something else, the demonstration of HOW you do your job is just as important as WHAT you do in your job.

Alongside our valued employees, we are making a difference throughout the state of Ohio in the lives of those that need healthcare or those embracing the next chapter of their lives. Sustained members of our team demonstrate accountable behavior and share our values of customer service, innovation, integrity, inclusion, financial stewardship, leadership and care.

The Hospice Aide is a member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and provides various care and services for patients at the end of their lives to increase the patient’s level of comfort and to maintain personal hygiene and a safe, healthy environment for the patient. The Hospice Aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations to the RN Case Manager, and documenting observations and care performed in accordance with company standards and federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Essential Activities and Tasks 

Care Management - 90%

• Completes personal care as directed by the hospice nurse. Completes each patient’s care as outlined in the plan of care.

• Provides personal care to the patient, including bathing (tub, shower, sponge, or bed bath), oral hygiene, hair care, shampooing, shaving, skin care, nail care, foot care, and dressing, as directed by the plan of care.

• Provides psychosocial support to patient and family related to end of life care.

• Provides nutritional services to patients such as setting up and assisting with meal time and feeding of patient, if necessary.

• Reports to hospice nurse or supervisor any changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition including complaints of pain, or family concerns.

• Assists patient with mobility, including walking, transferring, turning, and positioning including the use of transfer devices such as the Hoyer lift and transfer board, as directed by the plan of care.

• Assists with toileting needs, including assistance with bedpan, urinal, bedside commode, toilet use and incontinence care, as directed by the plan of care.

• Assists patients to self-administer-medications, as directed by the plan of care. Verbally prompts or assists patients to respond to electronic medication reminder systems.

• Maintains a safe and clean environment through care of the patient’s room and personal equipment. Provides homemaking services, such as bed making, light housework, laundering, and errand running with patient’s/family’s agreement or accompanying patient to medical appointments as directed by the plan of care.

• Performs other activities as assigned including but not limited to reading and recording temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, urinary catheter care, basic infection control procedures, and emergency procedure such as adverse weather conditions, fire emergencies, etc.

• Provides and/or assists patient/family/caregiver in performing terminal care.

• Drives patients to and from appointments or other activities occasionally.

• Maintains comfortable environment by adjusting lighting, room temperature, and changing bed linens as needed. Is alert to safety factors and accident prevention.

• Provides therapeutic touch/complimentary therapeutics per patient’s request.

• Has awareness of emotional status of patient and/or family and is able to understand the emotional problems associated with the terminal illness. Confers with the psychosocial staff as needed.

• Has empathy for the needs of the ill, frail and impaired. Understands philosophy of hospice care and needs of the terminally ill.

• Communicates with patient, family and caregivers in a tactful and patient manner that conveys respect, sensitivity to cultural/religious/ethnic needs and with an understanding of patient’s and family’s individual needs while maintaining professional and personal boundaries.

Quality and Compliance Management - 5%

• Commitment to excellent customer service for internal and external customers.

• Participates in quality improvement projects as needed.

Administration and Reporting - 5%

• Observes, reports, and uses electronic medical record to document patient status and the care or services furnished.

• Participates in interdisciplinary group meetings, in-services and skills training to ensure compliance with hospice regulations.

• Reads and follows written instructions and documents care given.

• Rotates weekend, holiday and on-call shifts as necessary.

• Displays initiative and able to work with minimal direct supervision.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in good standing on the Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry required.

Experience

• Two years experience working as an CNA, home health aide, or other similar position in an acute care setting preferred.

• Knowledgeable of home health aide practices and procedures preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Must be insurable under professional liability and crime coverage policies as specified by insurance carrier underwriting standards.

Working Conditions and Special Requirements

• Sitting - Up to 8 hours/day

• Standing - Up to 4 hours/day

• Walking - Up to 2 hours/day

• Lifting, transferring, pushing or pulling patients or equipment/supplies - Up to 50 pounds

• Driving - Up to 6 hours/day

• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays - Required as scheduled

• Subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, and cuts - Work day

• Subject to patients with various disease processes - Occasional

• May be exposed to infectious waste, disease, conditions, etc. including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses - Work day

• Risk Category for Exposure to Bloodborne Diseases - I