Hospice Home Health Aide

Douglas County Visiting Nurses•Lawrence, KS

7d•$16 - $21

About The Position

The Hospice Home Health Aide (HHA) provides personal care and supportive services to hospice patients in their place of residence in accordance with the patient's individualized plan of care. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the HHA assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting dignity, comfort, and quality of life during end-of-life care. The Hospice HHA works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary hospice team to support patients and their families while maintaining compliance with agency policies and applicable federal and state regulations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
One of the following is required: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
Completion of a state-approved Home Health Aide training program (minimum 75 hours)
Must also meet the following requirements: Demonstrated competency through hospice aide competency evaluation.
Current CPR certification (BLS preferred).
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Current auto insurance meeting agency requirements.
Ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care.
Knowledge of basic patient care techniques and infection control practices.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently in patients' homes.
Ability to observe, document, and report patient changes accurately.
Sensitivity to the emotional needs of hospice patients and families.
Ability to lift, transfer, and reposition patients (up to 50 lbs with assistance when necessary).
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods.
Ability to travel between patient homes.
Must successfully complete background checks, drug screening, and health screening as required by the organization.
Must maintain required in-service education and annual competency evaluations in accordance with hospice regulatory standards.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience providing personal care in home health, hospice, long-term care, or hospital settings preferred.
Experience working with elderly or terminally ill patients preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide personal care services to hospice patients including: Bathing (bed bath, tub bath, shower)
Grooming and oral hygiene
Dressing and undressing
Skin care and observation
Assistance with toileting and incontinence care
Turning and repositioning
Ambulation and transfer assistance
Assist patients with mobility using safe transfer techniques and assistive devices.
Assist with feeding, when necessary, in accordance with the care plan.
Maintain a safe, clean environment for the patient.
Observe and report changes in the patient's condition, physical appearance, or behavior to the supervising RN.
Provide emotional support and companionship to patients and families.
Assist with light housekeeping tasks related to patient care (laundry, changing linens, cleaning patient areas).
Participate in hospice team meetings when appropriate.
Follow the individualized patient plan of care as directed by the RN.
Accurately document care provided and patient observations in the electronic medical record.
Report patient concerns, changes in condition, or safety issues promptly.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements.
Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions.
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Adhere to agency policies, hospice regulations, and professional standards.
Maintain required training and competency requirements.