Bluebird Hospice Aide

Bluebird Health•Meridian, ID

21d

About The Position

The Hospice Aide (HHA) is a paraprofessional member of the hospice care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and provides personal care services according to patient needs. The aide observes patients, reports observations, and documents observations and care performed. Assignments are made to promote quality, continuity, and safety of care and only after successful completion of a competency evaluation program. The HHA is also part of the interdisciplinary team. The role may include personal care, assistance with daily activities, meal preparation, monitoring and recording vital signs when ordered and competency requirements are met, mobility and exercise assistance, safety support, and reporting changes in patient condition to the assigned nurse. The aide must follow organizational care and documentation procedures and standards of conduct, complete annual in-service training, and attend scheduled case conferences for patients in their care.

Requirements

Successfully complete a training and competency evaluation program approved by the respective state as meeting all requirements, and be listed in good standing in the state nurse registry.
If aide services have not been provided for a continuous period of 24 months or greater, complete another training and competency program before providing services.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be able to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
Be self-directing and able to work with little direct supervision.
Demonstrate empathy for the needs of ill, injured, frail, and impaired people.
Possess and maintain current CPR certification.
Demonstrate tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
Be able to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency-related travel.
Have and maintain a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance coverage, and access to an automobile.
Not function in a manner considered the practice of nursing under the State’s Nurse Practice Act; specifically, not administer medications, take physician’s orders, or perform procedures requiring nursing training, knowledge, and skill, such as sterile techniques.

Responsibilities

Provide personal care, including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, changing bed linen, dressing and undressing assistance, and nail and skin care to prevent breakdown.
Assist patients with toileting activities.
Keep the patient’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate.
Plan and prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding when necessary.
Take and record oral, rectal, and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered and after demonstrating appropriate competency.
Assist with ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
Perform range-of-motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service when ordered and after demonstrating appropriate competency.
Assist patients in self-administering medication.
Do the patient’s laundry, as appropriate.
Meet patient safety needs and use equipment safely and properly, including foot stools and side rails.
Report the patient’s condition and significant changes to the assigned nurse.
Follow the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
Attend 12 clock hours of in-service training annually during a 12-month period.
Attend scheduled Case Conference meetings as part of the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) to discuss patients in the aide’s care.