Home Care Hospice Aide PRN

Position Description

Hospice Aide l - Home Care

PRN

Primary Function: 

The Hospice Aide performs various patient care activities and related nonprofessional services necessary in caring for the personal needs and comfort of patients under the direction and guidance of professional nursing personnel.

 Training: 

Orientation to Hospice, Home Care and Inpatient and Care services and any other training that may be necessary to complete the assigned duties. 

Supervision:  Director of Home Care Services/Director of Inpatient Services/House Supervisor                   

Qualifications:   

     1. High School diploma or GED preferred. Completion of certificate program in nursing care from an accredited training program with current listing as NA-I with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Regulation. Six-months to one-year experience preferred.

1. On-the-job training to become familiar with Hospice policies, procedures, and routines.
2. Maintain current unrestricted North Carolina driver’s license and maintain minimum automobile liability insurance for the duration of employment   

1. Ability to work with the team concept of patient/family care outside a hospital setting.
2. Ability to work interdependently.
3. Commitment to the Hospice concept and standards.
4. Must be physically capable of providing patient care in a patient’s home and various institutional settings to include supporting, moving, and lifting adult patients, and lifting equipment and supplies. 
5. Must be able to interact with patients, family members, visitors, co-workers, and medical staff under a variety of circumstances.
6. Regular, reliable attendance is essential. 
7. Must be current in health immunization requirements of North Carolina and Hospice of Davidson County.
8. CPR trained and certified.

Job Duties:  

 Makes an average of 5-6 home visits daily under the direction and guidance of professional nursing personnel to care for the personal needs and comforts of patients.

1. Performs specific direct patient care duties of a CNA I as outlined by the Nurse Aide Registry Act and assigned by Hospice Licensed Nurse.
2. Functions as an integral part of the Hospice IDG to meet the needs of the patient and family.
3. Observes patient for changes in physical status and reports observations to licensed nursing personnel.
4. Delivers medications and supplies to patients as needed.
5. Practices fiscal responsibility when providing supplies while meeting patient needs.
6. Collects urine specimen and delivers to lab or office when assigned.
7. Provides emotional support to patients and families during visits.
8. Verifies patient assignment prior to the start of patient care and notifies licensed nursing staff to obtain new assignment if patient/ family requests or require any additional services.
9. Reports all unusual conditions or reactions to the patient’s primary nurse and/or Director of Home Care Services. 
10. Documents patient care and treatment per Hospice of Davidson County policy.
11. Assists in maintaining patient supplies in an orderly fashion.
12. Maintains a cooperative and collaborative relationship with all Hospice personnel that facilitates a positive practice environment and interdisciplinary philosophy of services to families.
13. Follows all Hospice of Davidson County policies and procedures.
14. Maintains confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI) at all times.
15. Acknowledges importance of team awareness.
16. Addresses patients, co-workers, and other healthcare professionals in a pleasant and respectful manner.
17. Demonstrates the ability to remain friendly and cooperative during all work conditions.
18. Conveys instructions, directions, and information to co-workers.
19. Consults with immediate supervisor as issues and concerns arise while maintaining consistent and concise lines of authority. Reference policy #7250.
20. Attends required in-services on an annual basis:
    1. Risk Management
    2. Bloodborne Pathogens/TB
    3. Body Mechanics
    4. Fire Safety
    5. General Safety/Hazardous Materials
    6. Patient/Staff Relations

  31. Maintains a safe and clean work area to promote work place safety.

  32. Documents all work activities and time daily per policy.

  33. Is aware of basic pain management including use of pain rating scales. 

  34. Recognizes and communicates with the Hospice nurse the need for intervention regarding pain when indicated.

  35.  Documents services and expenditures for reimbursement purposes.

  36.  Performs other duties or special projects as requested by the Director of Home Care Services.

  37.  Participates in hospice sponsored in-service training.

  38.  Participates in QAPI program.

  39.  Participates on Hospice committees as needed.

  40.  Performs job duties in accordance with all Hospice policies, procedures, and professional and community standards.

  41.  Abides by the Hospice Professional Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 Physical demands: Vigorous. Must be able to communicate. Must be able to see, hear, smell, touch as necessary to assess patients' condition and provide direct

care. Continuous standing, walking, reaching, squatting, bending. Frequent lifting of 50-100 pounds.   The noise level in the work environment is usually

moderate.

 Status and Hours of Work:

This position is classified as non-exempt. Usual working hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, as needed..  This position is eligible for overtime pay.