The Lifecare Institute: Hospice Aide

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC); Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

GBMC HealthCare is seeking a Hospice Aide to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities align with the Hospice Aide Plan of Care, focusing on comfort, safety, and dignity for patients in need.

The role emphasizes empathy, clear communication with patients, families, and facility staff, and competent use of handheld devices and electronic documentation to ensure accurate records and timely reporting of changes in condition.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Maryland CNA registration required.
• Previous acute or home care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal care and feeding per plan of care.
• Ensure patient safety and proper use of equipment.
• Plan meals and assist with nourishment.
• Take and record vital signs as directed.
• Monitor skin condition and prevent breakdown.
• Report changes to supervising nurse.
• Assist with ambulation and exercises.
• Help with light housekeeping and linen changes.
• Provide respite for patient/family when onsite.

Skills

Hospice philosophy

Communication skills

Death/dying care

Independent work

Team communication with staff

Electronic documentation

Empathy for patients

Education

High School diploma or GED

CNA certification (Maryland)

Tools

Electronic documentation system

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.

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

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.