The Lifecare Institute: Hospice Aide

GBMC HealthCare•Institute, WI

46d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Hospice Aide delivers specific aspects of patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Patient care needs and visit frequency are identified in the Hospice Aide Plan of Care. The aide supports patients and families with personal care, safety, meals, observation, mobility, light household tasks, and respite, within the aide’s training and assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current registration with the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with organizational requirements and in good working order.
Previous experience in an acute care or home care setting.
Knowledge and understanding of the Hospice Philosophy.
Oral and written communication skills.
Skill in managing issues related to death and dying.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively with facility staff when necessary for facility-based care.
Skill using hand-held communication devices and electronic documentation.
Ability to demonstrate empathy for the needs of ill, injured, frail, and impaired people.

Responsibilities

Attend promptly to patient and family requests and provide personal care, including assistance with bedpans and urinals, bathing, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, bed linen changes, dressing, undressing, and feeding.
Meet patient safety needs and use equipment safely and properly, including foot stools, side rails, and oxygen equipment.
Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
Take and record oral, rectal, and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered and within training limitations.
Provide appropriate skin care and observe the patient’s skin to help prevent tissue breakdown over bony prominences.
Report the patient’s condition and significant changes to the assigned supervisory nurse, and remain aware of caregivers, other household members, and interpersonal issues.
Assist with ambulation and exercise as instructed by the primary care nurse or therapist.
Assist with light laundry and keep the patient’s living area clean and orderly as assigned.
Perform range-of-motion exercises and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service when ordered and within training limitations.
Provide respite for the patient, family, or caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.