Overview
Join our team as a Hospice CNA—bring empathy, dedication, and hands‑on care to support patients with dignity and comfort.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Hospice CNA 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 CNA is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed.
Essential Functions / Duties
- Perform personal care needs after receiving a patient assignment and attend to requests promptly. If unable to perform a task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
- Meet the safety needs of patients and use equipment safely (foot stools, side rails, O2, etc.).
- Provide personal care such as baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and change bed linens as assigned.
- Assist in dressing and undressing patients as assigned.
- Perform light housekeeping and meal preparation.
- Assist in feeding the patient as assigned.
- Provide proper care and observation of patient skin to prevent breakdown over bony prominences.
- Report on patient condition and significant changes to the Case Manager and remain aware of caregiver or other individuals living with the patient regarding interpersonal issues.
- Assist in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist.
- Offer and assist with bedpans and urinals.
- Assist with light laundry as needed.
- Perform range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with demonstrated skill competency.
- Provide respite for patient’s family/caregiver when on‑site, as appropriate.
- Maintain patient living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
- Adhere to the organization’s documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
- Participate in quality assessment performance‑improvement teams and activities.
- Respect patient and family/caregiver environment and personal needs.
- Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in‑person training, annual skills competencies education, and role‑specific certifications to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.
Job Limitations
- The Hospice CNA will not perform any function that is considered the practice of nursing under the Nurse Practice Act, such as administering medications, taking physician orders, or performing sterile techniques.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Proficient in using an iPhone for electronic documentation in the hospice electronic medical record system.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with adaptability during patient visits.
- Ability to deliver high‑quality, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care in alignment with the hospice philosophy, including specialized care for the terminally ill.
- Excellent communication skills, including active listening and clear verbal and written communication, with timely updates to healthcare professionals.
- Competent in all responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Aide, following written instructions and accurately documenting care provided.
- Self‑directed and able to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a calm demeanor in patient homes and during end‑of‑life care situations.
- Demonstrates empathy, tact, patience, and professionalism with good personal hygiene.
Core Values
- AMBASSADOR: Represents the organization with integrity and takes pride in the community.
- COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate; often goes above and beyond and reports to work as scheduled and timely.
- COMPASSIONATE: Empathetic, mindful, and kind.
- INNOVATIVE: Curious, identifies new methods and efficiencies.
- RESULTS‑DRIVEN: Strong sense of urgency to solve problems and complete work; exerts effort over time to achieve goals, maintaining commitment despite obstacles.
- TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Position Type / Expected Hours Of Work
- The Hospice CNA position is hourly, nonexempt.
- Assignments are made to promote quality, continuity, and safety of patient care.
- Standard days and hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, with weekend days and holidays; schedule may vary based on caseload.
- Weekend shifts rotate every other weekend. If a weekend shift is worked, a day off is assigned before the shift and a day off is assigned after.
- Holidays are covered on a rotating schedule.
Education and Experience Requirements
- High school Diploma or GED (Required).
- 1‑3 years of nurse aide experience with older adults in a long‑term care or dementia facility (Preferred).
- PA Nurse Aide Certification (Required).
- CPR Certification (Required).
- Meet state training requirements and competency evaluation or licensure as specified by state law.
- Complete the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required).
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
- Medical Screening.
- Criminal History Clearance.
- FBI Fingerprint Clearance (if not lived in PA for the last 2 years).
- Immigration and naturalization (I‑9) clearance.
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and acceptable MVR if operating a company vehicle.
Physical Requirements and Physical Demands
- Occasionally climb, kneel, pull with force, reach above head, reach above shoulder, push/pull up to 100 lbs., lift from floor and waist level, and lift above shoulders/head; required to lift the average patient weight for the department (max 25 lbs.) and frequently lift/carry objects up to 10 lbs.
Safety Hazards and Physical Environment
- May be exposed to blood‑borne pathogens – High Risk.
- May be exposed to communicable diseases.
- May be exposed to moving mechanical parts.
- May be exposed to potential electrical shock.
- May be exposed to toxic, caustic chemicals, and/or detergents.
- May need to interact with residents exhibiting aggressive behavior on rare occasions.