Home Health Aide

The hospice aide 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

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

2.Perform personal care and attend to patient requests promptly; report any inability to
complete tasks to Case Manager.

3.Meet patient safety needs and use equipment properly (foot stools, side rails, O2, etc.).

4.Provide personal care such as baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and bed linen
changes as assigned.

5.Assist in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.

6.Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.

7.Assist in feeding patients as assigned.

8.Take and record vital signs when ordered with appropriate skills competency.

9.Provide proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent tissue breakdown.

10.Report patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager, and be
aware of interpersonal issues with caregivers or others living with the patient.

11. Assist in ambulation and exercise as instructed by hospice nurse or therapist.

12.Offer and assist with bedpans, urinals, and light laundry needs as assigned.

13.Perform range of motion and other procedures as ordered with appropriate skills
competency.

14.Provide respite for patient's family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.

Keep patient's living area clean and orderly as assigned.

15.Adhere to organization's documentation, care procedures, and standards of conduct.

16.Participate in quality assessment and performance improvement activities.

17.Respect patient and family/caregiver environment and personal needs.

Note: The above statements summarize the main duties and responsibilities of this job and may not cover all possible tasks that incumbents may be requested to perform

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Meets the training requirements of the State.

2. Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(a) and a competency evaluation program, or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b), or a competency evaluation program or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b).

3. Shows proof of registration on the Home Care Aide Registry through the Department of Social Services, Home Care Services Bureau, preferred.

4. At least 18 years of age.

5. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.

6. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.

7. Satisfactory references from previous employers.

8. 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.

9. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired. 10. Possess and maintains current CPR certification.

11. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.

12. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization
requirements and is in good working order.

JOB LIMITATIONS

The hospice aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the hospice aide will not administer medications, 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 skill

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Community home environment

2. Exposure to infectious diseases

3. In and out of automobile