Hospice CNA PRN

Position Overview

The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various services for a patient as necessary to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The hospice aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The hospice aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing personal care needs as assigned and attending to patient requests promptly. If unable to perform a task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
• Meeting patient safety needs and using equipment safely and properly (e.g., foot stools, side rails, O2 equipment).
• Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and changing bed linen as assigned.
• Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
• Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned.
• Taking and recording oral, rectal, and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered with demonstrated competency.
• Providing proper care and observation of the patient’s skin to prevent tissue breakdown over bony prominences.
• Reporting on the patient’s condition and any significant changes to the Case Manager, including noting interpersonal issues with caregivers or others.
• Assisting with ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
• Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals, and providing light laundry assistance as assigned.
• Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service when ordered with demonstrated competency.
• Providing respite care for the patient’s family or caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• Keeping the patient’s living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
• Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and maintaining standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Participating in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Respecting the patient and family's environment and personal needs.
• Refraining from tasks that constitute the practice of nursing under the Nurse Practice Act; specifically, not administering medications, taking physician orders, or performing procedures requiring a licensed nurse’s training.

Required Qualifications

• Successfully completed a state-established or other training program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(a) and a competency evaluation program, or a state licensure program meeting the requirements of S 484.36(b).
• Meets the training requirements of the State.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
• Understands hospice philosophy and is comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• Satisfactory references from previous employers.
• Self-directed with the ability to work with little direct supervision; secure when handling issues of death and dying, and maintains a calm manner in a patient’s home.
• Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail, and impaired.
• Possession and maintenance of current CPR certification.
• Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene.
• Licensed driver with an automobile that is insured per organizational requirements and in good working order.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.

About the Employer

The employer for this position is The Pennant Group, Inc., a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. More information is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.