Inpatient Unit Hospice Aide

Hospice of Lake Cumberland•Somerset, KY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Inpatient Unit Hospice Aide provides personal care for terminally ill patients under the direction of the Unit Charge Nurse and/or an RN, and supports family members in caring for patients. The role is based in the Inpatient Unit at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and includes 12-hour shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., three days per week, for 36 hours per week, including every other weekend. Weekend hours receive an additional $2.00 per hour. Salary is based on experience. The aide helps maintain patients’ comfort, safety, and quality of life; provides hygiene and other routine hospice aide care; monitors and documents vital signs and observations; and communicates changes and other pertinent information to nursing staff. The position also supports patients’ activities of daily living, provides respite for families, participates in interdisciplinary team activities and meetings, and completes required documentation, training, and organizational duties.

Requirements

At least one year of CNA or patient-care experience; the qualifications specify experience in a patient care position in a hospital, nursing home, or home care setting.
Active SRNA license; the posting states applicants without one will not be considered.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Successful completion of a state-approved Nursing Assistant training program.
Current registration on the Kentucky Nursing Assistant Registry.
Successful completion of Hospice of Lake Cumberland’s HHA competency evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Home health practical training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct personal care to patients to maintain comfort, safety, and quality of life.
Provide personal hygiene care to patients in the inpatient unit.
Perform routine hospice aide procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse, including procedures such as enemas, catheter care, range-of-motion exercises, body positioning and alignment, and decubitus care.
Monitor and document vital signs accurately.
Respond within scope of practice to the physical, social, and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families.
Demonstrate medical equipment use and proper body mechanics to family members when needed.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, ambulation, and transfers.
Demonstrate body positioning and skin care techniques to patients and families to promote comfort and skin integrity.
Communicate pertinent observations, including changes in pain and other symptoms, to the RN or Unit Senior Nursing Manager.
Provide temporary respite to patients’ families.
Assist with meal setup and feeding when indicated.
Check with the RN daily for assignments and directions for team support activities.
Document care and observations legibly and promptly in patients’ medical records.
Participate in the interdisciplinary team, including attending weekly IDT meetings and bringing caseload issues for staff discussion, consultation, and evaluation.
Communicate work schedule information and time-off needs to the Nursing Coordinator.
Attend monthly staff meetings and in-service programs or other offerings to meet licensure requirements.
Participate in Performance Improvement and other organizational committees and special projects as assigned.
Follow Hospice policies and applicable state and federal regulations governing hospice care.
Cooperate with other organizational requirements and activities, represent the organization positively and professionally in the community, and perform other assigned duties within training and ability.
Assist with clerical and housekeeping duties within the unit when assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
401(k) with company match
$250 per month in flex dollars to apply toward benefits or receive as an additional cash benefit if benefits are not selected
Paid days off, with the opportunity to earn 30 to 36 days per year
Company-paid basic life insurance with a $20,000 policy
Company-paid long-term disability insurance
Paid bereavement for the death of immediate family members
Additional $2.00 per hour for weekend hours worked