Position Summary:
Provides personal care services under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The Hospice Aide is assigned to specific clients by the Registered Nurse or other appropriate professional and performs services for clients as necessary to maintain their person comfort.
General Job Duties:
- All employees are responsible for a basic knowledge of the employee handbook, along with the mission and vision of the Organization, and must conduct themselves with behavior that supports these values.
- All employees are responsible for making the most of their working time and reach maximum potential by being on time for appointments, checking voicemails/emails as appropriate and completing deadlines in a timely manner.
- All employees are expected to escalate issues as necessary.
- All employees must conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner as outlined in the Essence of Life Hospice Conduct Policy, as found in the handbook.
- All employees will specifically be trained on their job duties, however; other mandatory trainings may be deemed appropriate by management for one or all members of the team.
- All employees must occasionally collaborate with the leadership team to create, revise, and maintain accurate job descriptions.
- All employees must assist with the general upkeep of the office, including maintaining a clean and orderly work space.
Essential Job Functions:
- Performs personal care activities including, but not limited to, bathing, shampooing, skin care and nail care, oral hygiene, shaving, dressing, and feeding.
- Performs household services essential to health care at home, including but not limited to, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, shopping, and transporting patients for a variety of needs.
- Documents care provided and completes all forms required for the client’s records. Completes the appropriate records to document care given and pertinent observations, including signing facility charts.
- Reports any observed or reported changes in the client’s condition and/or needs to the Patient Care Coordinator (Team Leader) or Administrator. Facility patients require reporting to the Facility Staff as well as to Essence of Life Hospice Staff. Follows reporting guidelines in the Care Plan.
- Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices, following Agency guidelines, and reporting unsafe situations to the Patient Care Coordinator (Team Leader).
- Demonstrates safe practice in the use and care of equipment. Notifies supervisor required equipment repairs.
- Participates in the QAPI program and communicates with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings and QAPI initiatives, and team conferences, as requested.
- Attends in service programs to meet compliance requirements. Identifies learning needs to Agency Supervisor.
- Performs simple procedures as an extension of therapy services under the direction and supervision of the therapist including range of motion exercises and/or assistance in ambulation or exercises.
- Tracks supply inventory and submits orders based on patient and staff needs.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
Cross Training Requirements:
- This position will be required to cross-train in different departments and may assist in those departments for up to 40 hours per week, when necessary.
Position Requirements:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Active Iowa CNA License
- Completion of formal certification training program and/or a written skills test or competency evaluation.
- Minimum of six (6) months work experience in a supervised setting, preferably health care facility.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Licensed driver with automobile insurance in accordance with the state and/or Agency. Employee must be eligible for auto insurance through Company agency requirements.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a member of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to read, write, and follow a written Plan of Care.
- Has not had a lapse in providing aide services within the past 24 consecutive months.
Language Requirements:
The primary language of Essence of Life Hospice is English. Excellent communication skills, as defined as the ability to:
- Actively listen for total comprehension,
- Ask questions that enhance the understanding of a certain topic, and
- Relay information and/or instruction in a descriptive and understandable fashion in both written and verbal forms to the interdisciplinary team, team members, patients and families, and others while working with Essence of Life Hospice.
Mathematical Requirements:
Basic mathematical knowledge is required, such as subtraction, multiplication, and division skills to the general degree.
Reasoning Ability Requirements:
Professional-level reasoning abilities are necessary to process complex information and prioritize services.
Physical Requirements:
- Lifting 50+ lbs. may be necessary
- Normal vision, as corrected.
- Normal hearing, as corrected.
- Ability to bend, pivot, reach overhead, squat, kneel, and crouch daily.
- Ability to use protective equipment and take proper precautions and emergency measures.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time, view a computer monitor, and type (up to 8 hours a day).
- Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Travel Requirements:
Daily travel within Essence of Life Hospice’s service area is required. A good driving record, valid driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance is required. Overnight travel is not required.
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt: This will be an hourly position and is not to exceed 40 hours without expressed permission from your direct supervisor. Should this position regularly work at least 30 hours (within a 90-day period), they will become eligible for benefits.
Schedule Expectations:
Essence of Life Hospice’s normal hours of operation are from Monday through Friday, between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm. As long as performance expectations are met, employees may flex his or her schedule within the range of business hours, subject to preapproval of one’s direct supervisor.
Supervision Requirements:
This position supervises: None at this time.
This position reports to: Hospice Aide Supervisor, to all Registered Nurses, to Patient Care Coordinator
