Description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Day Shift

40 hours per week with EOW

The hospice aide/certified medication technician is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various services for a patient as necessary to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The hospice aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

The hospice aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. 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 Clinical Manager, Hospice House and/or shift leader (eg. LPN) immediately.
2. Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
3. Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
4. Administers medications safely, properly and accurately following all organizational processes and regulations. Reports any issues with medications, medication administration to appropriate RN or management team member.
5. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
6. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
7. Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
8. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
9. Taking and recording oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
10. Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
11. Assessing and reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
12. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
13. Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
14. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
15. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
16. Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
17. Keeping patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
18. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
19. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
20. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Meets the training requirements of the State and holds dual licensure as a CNA and CMT.
2. At least 18 years of age.
3. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
4. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
5. Satisfactory references from previous employers.
6. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision. Secure with issues of death/dying. Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home.
7. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.
8. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.
9. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
10. Must attend in-service training programs as scheduled.

JOB LIMITATIONS

The hospice aide/medication technician will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the hospice aide will not take physician's orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a licensed nurse, such as sterile techniques.

SKILLS REQUIRED

1. Good oral and written communications
2. Good organizational skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Congregate living home-like environment
2. Exposure to infectious diseases
3. Ability to frequently lift at least 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds