General Summary
The Hospice CNA 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 CNA will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity, and safety of a patient’s care.
Essential Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Performing personal care needs after being given a patient’s assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
- Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
- Meeting safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2, etc.)
- Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
- Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
- Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
- Taking and recording oral, rectal, and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
- Providing proper care and observation of patient’s skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
- 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.
- Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
- Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
- Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.”
- Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Provide assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
- Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
- Providing respite for patients/family/caregivers when on-site, as appropriate.
- Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
- Adhering to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
- Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
- Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient’s personal needs.
- Participate in afterhours/ on call needs as assigned.
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.
Qualifications
- Meets the training requirements of the State of Ohio.
- Passed State Tested Nursing Assistance examination.
- Current, active status on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry with no discipline associated with licensure.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Ability to read and follow written instructions and documents care given.
- Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
- Satisfactory references from previous employers.
- 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.
- Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and impaired.
- Possess and maintains current CPR certification.
- Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
- Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.
- Successfully completes a probationary period. This probationary period is to ensure the aide is competent in the above qualifications and is documented by the supervisor and the employee.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
Ability to move throughout the facility promptly, especially in emergency situations. Must be able to lift, unassisted, up to 50 lbs. and up to 150 lbs. with the assistance of one. Must be able to stoop, bend, and reach. Must be able to push and pull up to 150 lbs. in a wheelchair. Good visual and hearing acuity required. Good verbal communication skills required. Must be able to walk or stand for up to 80% of the workday. Must be free of communicable disease. May be exposed to communicable diseases and blood and body fluids that may contain HIV and/or HBV. May be exposed to cleaning chemicals and offensive odors.
