Hospice Aide

Luminary Hospice•Kansas City, MO

23h

About The Position

The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse. The aide performs services as needed to meet patients’ personal needs and promote comfort, observes patients, reports observations, and documents observations and care provided. Assignments are made to promote quality, continuity, and safety of patient care. Luminary Hospice is a mission-driven organization focused on personalized care that preserves dignity throughout the end-of-life journey. Its care includes medical care, pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and resources and support for families and caregivers.

Requirements

Active STNA or CNA certification in the state where duties are performed, as required by the state.
Meet state training requirements.
Complete at least 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training, including 16 classroom hours before the required 16 hours of practical training.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care provided.
Understand hospice philosophy and feel comfortable providing specialized care to terminally ill patients.
Satisfactory references from previous employers.
Be self-directing and able to work with little direct supervision; be secure with issues of death and dying and maintain a calm manner in a patient's home.
Have empathy for the needs of ill, injured, frail, and impaired individuals.
Maintain current CPR certification.
Demonstrate tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
Be a licensed driver and have an automobile that is insured according to organization requirements and in good working order.
Complete a probationary period during which competency in the listed qualifications is documented by the supervisor and employee.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned personal care needs and respond promptly to patient requests; report to the Case Manager if unable to perform a task.
Communicate positively with patients and families while maintaining ethical, respectful care and confidentiality.
Meet patient safety needs and use equipment safely and properly.
Provide personal care, including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and changing bed linens, as assigned.
Assist patients with dressing and undressing.
Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
Assist patients with feeding as assigned.
Take and record oral, rectal, and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered and when competency requirements are met.
Provide appropriate skin care and observe patients to help prevent tissue breakdown over bony prominences.
Assess and report patient condition and significant changes to the Case Manager; remain aware of caregivers, other household members, and interpersonal issues.
Assist with ambulation and exercise as instructed by a hospice nurse or therapist.
Provide range-of-motion assistance, transfers, and positioning as directed.
Assist with self-administered medications as permitted by state regulations, such as providing reminders.
Offer and assist with bedpans and urinals, and assist with light laundry as assigned.
Perform range-of-motion exercises and other simple procedures as ordered and when competency requirements are met.
Provide respite for patients, families, or caregivers on-site when appropriate.
Keep the patient's living area clean and orderly as assigned.
Follow organizational documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
Participate in quality assessment and performance improvement teams and activities.
Respect the patient and family or caregiver environment and the patient's personal needs.