Hospice Aide - Howard County

gbmc; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

GBMC HealthCare is seeking a Hospice Aide to assist in patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in our hospice program. Responsibilities include personal care, basic nursing tasks, and observation to support comfort and safety.

Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED, current Maryland CNA registration, a valid driver's license, and prior acute or home care experience. The role emphasizes empathy, independent work, and effective communication with staff and patients.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Certified Nursing Assistant registration in Maryland required.
• Driver's license with insured vehicle required.
• Experience in acute or home care setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform personal care tasks and assist with daily living activities.
• Ensure patient safety and proper use of equipment.
• Plan and assist with nutritious meals as directed.
• Take and record vital signs as ordered.
• Monitor skin condition to prevent breakdown.
• Report changes to supervising nurse.
• Assist with mobility and therapeutic activities as instructed.
• Assist with light laundry and maintain a clean living area.
• Assist with range-of-motion exercises and supportive therapies.
• Provide respite for patient/family/caregiver when on-site.

Skills

Hospice care

Communication

Death/dying care

Independent work

Facility communication

Electronic documentation

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 Maryland 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 required.

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

$17.24 - $23.91

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare 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.