Hospice Aide

High School diploma or GED.

Experience

Previous experience in an acute care or home care setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of the Hospice Philosophy
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in managing issues related to death/dying
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to effectively communicate with facility staff when necessary if assigned to facility-based care.
• Skill with hand-held communication devices and electronic documentation
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

Licensures, Certifications

• Current registration with the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.

Physical Requirements

• Possesses and maintains good physical stamina and mental health.

• Ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail when performing basic patient care tasks.
• Ability to walk and stand up to ninety percent (90%) of work time and ability to lift and position patients.

Working Conditions

• Works in patient homes and healthcare facilities. Frequent exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise and the like.

Conditions of Employment

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

Conflict of Interest

Paperwork Required

Standard Precautions

Standard precaution policy and procedures are applicable to this job

Patient Safety

Employee has knowledge and understanding of patient safety as it relates to the job duties N/A

Patient Population

Demonstrates competency in the delivery of care and applies the knowledge to meet age-specific needs

Not applicable

Applicable for the following ages:

All ages

Neonate / Infant

Pediatric

Adolescent

Adult

Geriatric

• Performs personal care needs by attending to patient/family requests promptly. Offers and assists with bedpans and urinals. Provides personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen. Assists in dressing and undressing patients as assigned. Assists in feeding the patient.

• Meets safety needs of patient and uses equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O₂ etc.).

• Plans and prepares nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.

• Takes and records oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).

• Provides proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.

• Reports patient's condition and significant changes to the assigned supervisory nurse. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.

• Assists in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the primary care nurse or therapist.

• Provides assistance as assigned with light laundry needs. Keeps patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned

• Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).

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