Hospice Aide - Gilchrist Inova (Fairfax, VA)

Boston Medical Center; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilchrist Hospice, in collaboration with Inova, seeks a compassionate Hospice Aide to support patient comfort under RN supervision. Responsibilities include personal care, meal assistance, and safety observation.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, current CNA registration, and a valid driver's license. Previous acute or home care experience is preferred, with strong communication and empathy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current registration with the Virginia State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Licensed driver with automobile that is insured per organization requirements.
• Previous experience in an acute care or home care setting.

Responsibilities

• Performs personal care including baths, back rubs, oral care, shampoos and changing bed linen; assists in dressing and feeding.
• Meets safety needs of patient and uses equipment safely (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.).
• Plans and prepares nutritious meals, including shopping as assigned.
• Takes and records vital signs when ordered (within training).
• Provides skin care to prevent tissue breakdown and reports changes to the nurse.
• Assists in ambulation and exercises as instructed by the nurse or therapist.
• Assists with light laundry and keeps living area clean and orderly.
• Uses hand-held devices for documentation.

Skills

Hospice Philosophy

Oral and written communication

Death/dying care

Independent work

Communicate with staff

Hand-held devices & digital docs

Empathy

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Under general supervision, is responsible for the delivery of specific aspects of patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Care needs and visit frequency are indicated in the Hospice Aide Plan of Care.

Education

High School diploma or GED.

Licensure

Current registration with the Virgina State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order.

Experience

Previous experience in an acute care or home care setting.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the Hospice Philosophy
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in managing issues related to death/dying
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to effectively communicate with facility staff when necessary if assigned to facility-based care.
• Skill with hand-held communication devices and electronic documentation
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs personal care needs by attending to patient/family requests promptly. Offers and assists with bedpans and urinals. Provides personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen. Assists in dressing and undressing patients as assigned. Assists in feeding the patient.
• Meets safety needs of patient and uses equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.).
• Plans and prepares nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned.
• Takes and records oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
• Provides proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
• Reports patient's condition and significant changes to the assigned supervisory nurse. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
• Assists in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the primary care nurse or therapist.
• Provides assistance as assigned with light laundry needs. Keeps patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
• Performs range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (within the training limitations of the aide).
• Provides respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.

Pay Range

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilchrist Inova and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Facing a serious illness can be overwhelming. Hospice care is specialized support designed to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families during this challenging time. At Gilchrist Hospice, in collaboration with Inova, we offer seamless compassionate care that focuses on pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and guidance for patients and their families every step of the way.

About Gilchrist Hospice

Gilchrist is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, serving patients and families with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years. With a mission to provide the highest quality care across all stages of serious illness, Gilchrist offers a broad range of services designed to support patients and their loved ones during some of life’s most challenging moments. As the aging population continues to grow, Gilchrist has strategically aligned with leading health systems across the region to better serve our communities. This approach enables seamless transitions from serious illness to end-of-life care across all settings.

“For me, it’s about meeting the needs of our patients and their families, right where they are; Providing compassionate and dignified care through life’s final journey.” Catherine Zimmerman, Case Manager