Hospice Aide (CNA)

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

• 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.
• Meting 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.
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
• Hospice Aides may not provide patients with homemade food items or baked goods that they themselves prepared.
• Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• Reporting any complaint of pain or other symptoms or changes in the patient's condition to the RN Case Manager.
• 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, emptying waste baskets and other light homemaker tasks.
• Performing range of motion and other simple procedures 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.
• As a mandatory reporter, reports failure to comply with the requirements to the VA Dept. of Health as required within 14 calendar days, using Dept. of Health forms.
• Reports suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a person in violation of VA State laws and ethics to the department of social and health services and the proper law enforcement agency.

Position Qualifications

• Completion of a state approved certified nursing assistant course or equivalent training with current license.
• High school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
• Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• Prior experience in hospice, orderly, acute , rehabilitative, or long term care facility. 1 year previous home health/hospice experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills to document in electronic medical records (EMR).
• At least 18 years of age.
• Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.