Hospice Aid

Affinity Hospice Management LLC; Sanford (ME); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Affinity Hospice Management LLC in Sanford, ME is seeking a dedicated Hospice Aide to support patient comfort under the supervision of an RN. You will perform personal care, monitor symptoms, and document observations according to the patient’s plan of care.

The role emphasizes compassionate, respectful care, safety with equipment, confidentiality, and timely communication with the care team. Previous home health or hospice experience is preferred; 18+ and valid CNA/CPR credentials required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a state-approved CNA course or equivalent training.
• NAC certification.
• CPR certification (Healthcare Provider).
• Food Handlers Permit.
• HS diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care.
• Understanding hospice philosophy and comfort with terminally ill.
• 1 year home health/hospice experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills to document in EMR.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Licensed driver with insured vehicle in good working order.

Responsibilities

• Perform personal care tasks as assigned and respond promptly to patient requests.
• Provide respectful communication to patient and family, maintaining confidentiality.
• Ensure safety and proper use of equipment and supplies.
• Assist with baths, transfers, oral hygiene, and changing bed linens.
• Assist with dressing and undressing the patient.
• Assist with feeding as assigned; do not provide homemade foods.
• Monitor skin integrity to prevent tissue breakdown.
• Report pain or changes to the RN Case Manager.
• Assist in ambulation and prescribed exercises.
• Support transfers/positioning as directed.
• Assist with medication reminders within state regulations.
• Assist with bedpans/urinals and light housekeeping.
• Perform ROM and simple procedures with demonstrated competency.
• Provide respite for patient/family when on-site.
• Keep living area clean and orderly.
• Adhere to documentation and care procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Respect patient/family environment.
• As mandatory reporter, report compliance issues within 14 days.
• Report suspected abuse/neglect immediately.

Skills

Documentation EMR

Read/follow instructions

Hospice philosophy

Driver with insured vehicle

Transfers and mobility

Education

State-approved CNA course or equivalent

Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC)

CPR certification (Healthcare Provider)

Food Handlers Permit

HS diploma or GED

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The hospice aide works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various tasks as assigned in accordance with the patient’s plan of care to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The hospice aide is responsible for reporting 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
• 2. Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
• 3. Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
• 4. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned.
• 5. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
• 6. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned. Hospice Aides may not provide patients with homemade food items or baked goods that they themselves prepared
• 7. Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• 8. Reporting any complaint of pain or other symptoms or changes in the patient's condition to the RN Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• 9. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
• 10. Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
• 11. Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.”
• 12. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs, emptying waste baskets and other light homemaker tasks.
• 13. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
• 14. Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
• 15. Keeping patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
• 16. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
• 17. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• 18. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.
• 19. As a mandatory reporter, reports failure to comply with the requirements of the Dept. of Health as required within 14 calendar days, using Dept. of Health forms.
• 20. Reports suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a person in violation of the department of social and health services and the proper law enforcement agency. Reports must be submitted immediately when the reporting person has reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred.

JOB LIMITATIONS

The hospice aide will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the hospice aide will not administer medications, take physician's orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a licensed nurse, such as sterile techniques.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• 1. Completion of a state approved certified nursing assistant course or equivalent training
• 2. Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC)
• 3. Current Healthcare Provider CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification ((may not be internet based unless the demonstration of skills was hands on and observed by a certified trainer)
• 4. Current Food Handlers Permit
• 5. High school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED)
• 6. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given.
• 7. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• 8. Prior experience in hospice, orderly, acute , rehabilitative, or long term care facility. 1 year previous home health/hospice experience preferred
• 9. Basic computer skills to document in electronic medical records (EMR)
• 10. At least 18 years of age.
• 11. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.