Hospice Aide

Position Summary:

Provides direct patient care services within defined scope of practice. Assists patients and nursing staff by implementing nursing measures as planned by the Registered Nurse. Provides services in the patients' home as directed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Participates in patient care conferences and meetings.
2. Attends a total of 12 hours per year of continuing education, approved by the agency.
3. Treat patients, physicians and fellow employees with care, courtesy and respect.
4. Provides personal hygiene; including shower, tub, or bed baths, special skin care, mouth care, hair care, change bed linens, etc. as directed by the RN.
5. Assists patients to bathroom or in using bed pan and toilet facilities and in transfer and ambulation activities.
6. Assists patients in and out of bed, including the use of mechanical lifting equipment, when applicable.
7. Assists physical therapist in those treatments classified as non-skilled, but still essential to the patient for rehabilitation potential.
8. Assist patients with walking, including the use of walkers and wheelchairs, when applicable.
9. Assists with meal preparation and feeding, when required.
10. Performs such incidental household services as are essential to the patient's health care at home and necessary to prevent or postpone institutionalization.
11. Assists with prescribed exercises when the patient and HHA have been instructed by the appropriate health professional.
12. Measures and records fluid intake and output, as directed. Takes and records blood pressure, pulse, and respirations.
13. Completes work sheet for each day summarizing care provided to each patient.
14. Records and reports changes in the patient's physical condition, behavior or appearance immediately to the nurse supervisor.
15. Maintains folder with patient individual Aide assignment forms for each patient seen by Hospice Aide.
16. Completes and turns in Visit Report as directed.
17. Maintains a neat and professional appearance in accordance with agency uniform policy.
18. Provides proper notification and/or advance notice of absence or tardiness without abuse.
19. Observes infection control and safety policies and procedures as implemented per home health agency policies and procedures.
20. Does not allow personal affairs to interfere with scheduled work time.
21. Participates willingly with special projects and/or overtime work when requested.

Physical Demands

Must be in good physical condition to meet the demands of an active position including extensive walking, driving, sitting, standing, and lifting. Must be physically able to move patients weighing 100 lbs. or more.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor or other management.

1. At least one year experience in hospice or home health care and an adequate understanding of the elementary concepts of hospice or home health care and his/her role as a member of a patient care team.
2. Holds appropriate certificate and/or has completed required curriculum/hours and competency has been evaluated in accordance witl1 Federal/State regulations. Will consider LPN's with CNA certification.
3. Has the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining a good work relationship with the patient, family, and other personnel.