Are you a CNA who wants to provide exceptional care when it matters most? Join us!
Walla Walla Community Hospice is looking for a dedicated Hospice Aide to deliver high-quality personal care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This position plays a vital role in supporting patient comfort, maintaining safety, and enhancing quality of life. We value teamwork, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in end-of-life care.
Summary
The Hospice Aide serves as an integral member of the hospice team and is responsible for providing compassionate care and support to terminally ill individuals receiving hospice services. Hospice Aides provide care under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with the hospice patient’s established Plan of Care. Hospice Aides performs numerous services for hospice patients to meet their personal needs and to promote comfort. This role also works collaboratively with the hospice interdisciplinary team to observe changes in patient condition and report observations and care performed. The hospice aide will work closely with the patient, patient’s family and/or caregivers, and others involved in the individual’s care to provide physical, emotional, and psychological support during the final stages of life.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist patients with personal care needs including bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and other personal care tasks.
- Provide mobility assistance including transferring, position, and mobility support.
- Monitor and report changes in patients’ condition to the hospice nurse case manager and other members of the care team as appropriate.
- Provide companionship and emotional support patients and their loved ones during difficult times.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team including nurses, physicians, and other caregivers to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Perform homemaker duties including light housekeeping, meal preparation, feeding assistance, and other tasks to support patient comfort and safety.
- Assist with supply management including ordering, inventory, stocking, and cleaning.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Accountabilities and Competencies
Communication & Collaboration:
- Maintain effective communication with the patient’s nurse case manager and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Participate in team meetings and case conferences to discuss patient care and process improvements.
- Proficiency in reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking English as required for business necessity.
Compliance & Documentation:
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information related to the company and its employees.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all communications and care provided in patients’ electronic health record (EHR).
- Ability to maintain respect for the dignity and confidentiality of the patient.
- Knowledge of hospice regulations, Medicare/Medicaid guidelines, and scope of practice.
- Ability to adhere to hospice policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure compliance.
- Accountability for HIPAA privacy and security standards within the organization.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required:
Education/Experience & Certificates/Licenses:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Current and active Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) license in Oregon and Washington State.
- 2+ years of work experience in hospice, palliative care, home health, long term care, or a related healthcare setting.
- Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Current CPR certification.
Communication Skills:
- Proficiency in reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking English as required for business necessity.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary team.
Reasoning Skills:
- Critical thinking skills to handle any difficulties or emergencies that may arise during care.
Computer Skills:
- Proficiency with Email and Microsoft O365 Suite
- Ability to operate basic office equipment such as telephones, computers, fax and copy machines.
Preferred:
- 3+ years of hospice experience
- Knowledge of medical terminology
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The Physical Demands and Work Environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
This position is a combination of office-based and field-based work, and primarily field-based work. Office-based work is in a climate-controlled office with low to moderate noise level. Field-based work is variable and may include road traffic, construction, inclement weather, as well as other unpredictable circumstances. In addition, care is delivered within a patient’s home setting which could include private home, adult family home, group home, assisted or independent living, nursing home and hospital, as well as other settings a client considers home. In certain circumstances, a staff member may be exposed to communicable diseases and infections, other biological hazards, and various drugs and chemicals. Due to these potential hazardous exposures, you may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in addition to universal precautions. PPE could include, but is not limited to, gloves, gowns, masks, respirators, and goggles.
Travel
This position requires frequent daily travel by car throughout Walla Walla Community Hospice’s three county service area (Walla Walla, Columbia, NE Umatilla). Must have a valid driver's license and car insurance.
Occasionally 1-33%:
Crawling, Climbing
Keyboarding, Grasping, Handling
Repetitive Motion/Wrist
Frequently 34-65%:
Sitting, Driving
Standing, Walking
Kneeling, Bending, Stooping, Twisting
Pushing, Pulling
Reaching above shoulders
Carrying/Lifting: 21-50 lbs.
