Cottingham Hospice House CNA Full Time Days

Job Summary

To provide personal care and comfort services to terminally ill patients, regardless of their age, and perform related homemaker tasks in the patient/family residences or Cottingham Hospice House, in accordance with the plan of care, as assigned and supervised by the registered nurse.

Accountabilities

• Personal care and comfort:

  • Baths patient in the bed, chair, tub or shower providing for patient's privacy, comfort and safety while doing so
  • Assists /provides mouth care
  • Shampoos, styles and/or combs patient's hair
  • Performs basic nail care and foot care
  • Shaves patient
  • Aids patient to dress
  • Aids patient to ambulate, transfer, use of assistive devices
  • Turns and positions patient
  • Aids patient to perform range of motion exercises
  • Facilitates elimination, assisting patient to use BSC, diapers, bedpan, urinal or to care for indwelling catheter or ostomy appliance
  • Facilitates nutrition, assists by preparing meal, feeding patient and/or by offering fluids
  • Models competent personal care techniques and communication skills for the caregiver
  • Performs all of the above tasks for all ages/developmental stages
  • Participates in bereavement care by attending visitations/funerals

• Monitor Patient's Condition:

  • Assists the nurse by monitoring the patient's condition and reporting any changes noted to the nurse promptly
  • Measures and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight)
  • Observes and reports changes in skin color, reports any skin tears
  • Maintains and changes non-sterile dressings as directed by the RN
  • Reports any difficulties with elimination
  • Reports any changes in patient's mental status (ability to communicate, level of confusion or any aggressive/agitated behavior)
  • Effectively utilizes communication skills /listening skills to promote patient comfort with the procedure
  • Encourages patient to express needs or preferences in personal care
  • Observes and reports patient compliance with safety measures
  • Participates in team conference and IDG as requested to discuss patient and caregiving issues
  • Reports any changes in patient's physical strength, endurance or coordination that would alter the delivery of care as assigned on the CNA POC
  • Is knowledgeable in the issues related to death and the normal grieving process and is able to be supportive of patient and family

• Homemaker Tasks:

  • Changes linen and bed clothes
  • Launder linen, towels and clothing (in home)
  • Washes dishes and utensils
  • Cleans and sanitizes kitchen counters
  • Empties out of date food from refrigerator
  • Organizes food and supplies
  • Delivers medical supplies as requested
  • Works with caregiver to remove unnecessary clutter from patient's environment in order to reduce risk of falls
  • Cleans and sanitizes durable medical equipment
  • Cleans and sanitizes bathroom area
  • Runs errands for caregiver/patient as assigned by RN

• Agency Needs:

  • Is thoroughly familiar with dept. policies and procedures and demonstrates compliance with hospice standards of care, including infection control and bloodborne pathogens
  • Participates in review of QI data and makes appropriate recommendations for improvement
  • Manages the agency resources by demonstrating reasonable and efficient use of time, mileage visit schedules and pre-visit activity
  • Maintains adequate supply in the home to meet patient's needs
  • Assists in organizing, cleaning storeroom
  • Assists with office duties (i.e. filing, telephone, errands) as requested

• Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

  • This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of a nursing assistant or patient care tech program
• Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses: CNA - NURSING ASSISTANT - NCNA
• In lieu of school verification of a nursing assistant training course, will accept current or former South Carolina CNA certification as proof of completed state required training at time of hire

Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Basic computer skills including word processing and data entry
• Knowledge of office equipment (fax/copier)
• Mathematical skills

Driving Requirements

• If driving is required for the position, must provide a valid driver’s license, a certificate of auto insurance and have an acceptable motor vehicle record as defined by the Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Chart.