Experienced Certified Nursing Assistant Macomb County

Job Title
Certified Nurse Aide (Hospice Aide)
Job Description Summary
Reports To: Registered Nurse and Clinical Manager or Director of Clinical Services (if Clinical Manager is not yet established in the office)
 

The Certified Hospice Aide is a paraprofessional member of the hospice interdisciplinary group who provides personal care and supportive services to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The hospice aide assists patients with activities of daily living, promotes comfort and dignity, observes and reports changes in patient condition, and documents care provided in accordance with the plan of care and organizational policy. Assignments are made to promote quality, continuity, and safety of patient care.

Roles & Responsibilities
Performing personal care services to assigned patients in accordance with the established plan of care and hospice aide care plan. 
Attends promptly to patient requests and reports inability to perform assigned tasks or concerns to the case manager or supervising Registered Nurse immediately.
Communicates respectfully and professionally with patients and families while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
Maintain patient safety and uses medical equipment properly and safely (e.g., oxygen equipment, side rails, wheelchair).
Provides personal hygiene care, including bed, sponge, tub, or shower baths; oral hygiene; hair care; back rubs; and linen changes as assigned. 
Assists patients with toileting and elimination needs.
Assists with dressing and undressing patients.
Assists patients with feeding as assigned.
Plans and prepares simple, nutritious meals and assists with shopping as assigned.
Take and record vital signs, (temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure) when ordered and when competency has been completed and documented.
Observes and reports skin conditions changes and provides appropriate care to help prevent skin breakdown over bony prominences.
Observes patient condition and report significant changes, concerns, or safety issues to the Case Manager or Registered Nurse, including observations related to caregivers or household dynamics that may impact patient care.
Assist with ambulation, transfers, positions, and exercises as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
Provides range of motion exercises and other simple procedures as ordered and within demonstrated and documented competency.
Assist with self administration of medications as permitted by state regulations (e.g., medication reminders).
Offers and assists with bedpans and urinals and provides light laundry assistance as assigned.
Provides respite support for patients and family/caregivers during on-site visits, as appropriate.
Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly patient environment as assigned.
Adheres to organizational documentation standards, care procedures, infection prevention practices, and standards of personal and professional conduct.
Participates in quality assessment and performance improvement activities as assigned.
Demonstrates respect for the patient’s home, culture, preferences, and personal needs.
Qualifications
Meets the training and certification requirements of the State for hospice aides.
Has successfully completed a state-approved hospice aide or nurse aide training and competency evaluation program meeting the federal minimum seventy-five (75) hour requirement (including required classroom and supervised practical training).
At least eighteen (18) years of age.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions and document care given.
Understanding of hospice philosophy and comfort in providing care to terminally ill patients.
Satisfactory references from previous employers.
Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision while maintaining appropriate communication with supervision staff.
Demonstrates empathy, emotional stability, and professionalism when working with the patients and families experiencing end-of-life issues.
Maintains current CPR certification.
Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and automobile insurance meeting organizational requirements.
Successfully completes an initial probationary period to validate competency, documented by the supervisor and employee. 

JOB LIMITATIONS
The hospice aide does not perform any duties that constitute the practice of nursing under the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the hospice aide does not administer medications, take physician orders, or perform procedures requiring the training, judgement, or skill of a licensed nurse, including sterile procedures

SKILLS REQUIRED
1. Effective oral and written communications
2. Good organizational and time management skills

WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Community and patient home environment 
2. Exposure to infectious diseases
3. Frequently entering and exiting of an automobile