Hospice Aide

JOB SUMMARY:

To provide personal care services to the terminally ill hospice patient as needed, under the direction of the RN. To provide assistance and understanding to the family and in time ofbereavement. To work as a member of the Hospice team in providing Hospice care within theguidelines of the IDG care plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational/Degree: High school diploma or GED.

Training/Licensure: Graduate from an approved training and competency course.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability: Must meet federal Home Health Aide training and competencyrequirements. Ability to work independently, make accurate, and attimes, quick judgments. Ability to respond appropriately to crisisoutside of a hospital setting. Acceptance of and adaptability todifferent social, racial, cultural and religious modes.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience as a nursing assistant, preferred.

Active patient contact within past three years, preferred.

JOB FACTORS:

Physical Requirements:

Requires considerable physical effort most of the day including kneeling, squatting, reaching,twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and maximal assistin lifting and/or transferring of a 100 pound patient. Must possess sight/hearing senses or useappropriate adaptive devices that will enable senses to function at a level required to meet theessential duties of the position. Must provide evidence of annual TB test and other state-requiredtests or examinations.

Mental Requirements:

Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data availableand act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must beable to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

Working Conditions:

Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluidsand excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.

Transportation:

Must have a current valid driver's license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.

Essential Functions:

1. Under the direction and ongoing supervision of the registered nurse, provides essentialpersonal care assistance to the patient:

• Bath, care of mouth, skin and hair.

• Bathroom or in using bedpan or commode.

• Bed transfers as well as ambulation activities as ordered under the care plan.

• Range of motion exercises which the Aide has been taught by appropriateprofessional personnel.

• Performing such incidental household services as are essential to the patient's wellbeingat home.

• Preparing meals including special diet.

• Takes a patient's temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure if assigned by aregistered nurse.

• Assists with shopping if the patient has no other resource available.

2. Provides emotional support and compassionate care to the patient and family unit.

• Demonstrates listening skills.

• Offers encouragement when appropriate.

• Practices patience in voice and manner.

3. Maintains required competency and skills.

• Documented initial and ongoing every 14 day supervision and evaluation by RN oneach case assignment.

• Participates in annual performance review.

4. Reports any changes in the patient's condition or family situation immediately by callingthe Hospice office and notifying the RN.

5. Practices Standard Precautions according to OSHA regulations and policy.

6. Adheres to all policies and procedural guidelines.

7. Attends at least twelve (12) hours of inservice education programs per year.

8. Maintains current certification as required by the State.

9. Maintains current knowledge and practice of infectious disease protocols.

10. Other duties as assigned.

I have read the above job description and understand the duties and responsibilities associated with the position. I can perform the essential functions of this position without specificaccommodations.