GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Hospice Registered Nurse, the Hospice Aide/Homemaker   Provides personal care and light housekeeping services to terminally ill patients in the home, nursing facility, inpatient units or other environments where the Hospice patient resides in accordance with an established plan of care and under the supervision of the Hospice Registered Nurse (RN). Actively participates as a member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Provides care and comfort to patients in accordance with assigned tasks and established interdisciplinary and Hospice Aide plan of care. Observes the patient, reports and documents observations and care performed. Provides timely documentation of services based on the patient’s care plan.

Type of supervision exercised: none. Jobs reporting to this position: none.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Required successful completion of an approved hospice aide training program as outlined under the Hospice Conditions of Participation 418.76: Hospice Aide/Homemaker Services; and proof of certification as a Hospice Aide from the program OR Completion of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program approved by the State as meeting the requirements under Medicare § 483.151 through § 483.154, and is currently listed in good standing on the State nurse aide registry OR Completion of a state approved training program and certification as a home health aide, with proof of certification.

Must demonstrate skills and have a passing score on a written competency test prior to working independently with a patient.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Must be at least 18 years old.

One (1) year of direct patient care experience in an institutional or home care setting required, with community health/hospice experience preferred.

Understanding of Hospice philosophy and needs of terminally ill.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.

Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor, and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, co-workers and all others.

Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and employees

Must treat each person as an individual with respect and dignity and demonstrate genuine concern and empathy.

Valid PA driver’s license and available transportation during all working hours required.

Ensures the quality and safe delivery of personal hospice services to the Hospice patient, while also supporting his/her family and caregiver(s).

Respects the autonomy and right to confidentiality of all patients and families.

Maintains regular attendance.

Functions independently, but seeks and accepts guidance from supervisor and other members of the Hospice IDT.

Conducts all activities in a professional and ethical manner.

Demonstrates the highest degree of customer awareness by seeking opportunities to identify and meet the needs of internal and external customers.

Is receptive to questions and criticism and is willing to offer assistance.

Consistently performs all of the above in a friendly, courteous manner.

Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.

Displays a willingness to utilize problem-solving techniques to ensure appropriate interventions and resolutions.

Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.

Needs excellent verbal communication skills.

Able to effectively manage stress.

Manual dexterity sufficient for writing, keyboarding and telephone operation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Moderate Work: duties require exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10lbs. of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects (i.e., occasional patient transfers).

Position involves bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting (occasionally in strained positions) throughout shift.

Ability to transport self throughout facility is required.

Must be able to travel to patient’s homes as required.

ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:

No unusual accident or health hazards inherent in position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a well-lit office environment and in varying conditions in patient homes (where conditions may be less than desirable).

Required Skills

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:

E = Essential Element                       NE = Nonessential Element

25%  Performs or assists patient with personal care activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, hygiene, mobility and elimination. If unable to perform a certain task, reports to the Hospice RN or Clinical Director immediately. Performs or assists patient/family with home maintenance activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, light housekeeping and meal preparation.  Performs support activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, supporting independence, providing companionship and providing respite for families.

15%  Provides and maintains safe environment for patient by using equipment safely and properly, including footstools, side rails, oxygen, etc.  Practices universal precautions in all contacts with patients.  Practices safe transfer, ambulation, normal range of motion and positioning techniques.

15%  Monitors adequate fluid and nutrition intake, temperature, pulse, respiration, skin condition and basic elements and changes in body functioning, and records/reports appropriately.  Documents care provided and response of patient/family to care, and submits documentation in a timely manner in accordance with agency policies.

10%  Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload in order to deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of hospice reimbursement methodologies.

10%  Identifies need for intervention by other members of the IDT on an ongoing basis and reports to RN.

10%  Assists patient/family/caregiver(s) and other team members in providing continuity of care.  Works in cooperation with family/caregiver(s) and IDT members to meet the emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver(s).

5%  Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.

2%  Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation and agency policies and procedures. Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines.

2%  Participates in the Performance Improvement process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and environmental concerns.  Participates in clinical record review.  Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested.

2%  Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities, as required  (NE)

2%  Completes a minimum of 12 hours of inservices per year.  (NE)

2%  Performs other duties as assigned.   (NE)

Required Experience

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:

E = Essential Element                       NE = Nonessential Element

25%  Performs or assists patient with personal care activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, hygiene, mobility and elimination. If unable to perform a certain task, reports to the Hospice RN or Clinical Director immediately. Performs or assists patient/family with home maintenance activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, light housekeeping and meal preparation.  Performs support activities as prescribed in the care plan including, but not limited to, supporting independence, providing companionship and providing respite for families.

15%  Provides and maintains safe environment for patient by using equipment safely and properly, including footstools, side rails, oxygen, etc.  Practices universal precautions in all contacts with patients.  Practices safe transfer, ambulation, normal range of motion and positioning techniques.

15%  Monitors adequate fluid and nutrition intake, temperature, pulse, respiration, skin condition and basic elements and changes in body functioning, and records/reports appropriately.  Documents care provided and response of patient/family to care, and submits documentation in a timely manner in accordance with agency policies.

10%  Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload in order to deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of hospice reimbursement methodologies.

10%  Identifies need for intervention by other members of the IDT on an ongoing basis and reports to RN.

10%  Assists patient/family/caregiver(s) and other team members in providing continuity of care.  Works in cooperation with family/caregiver(s) and IDT members to meet the emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver(s).

5%  Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.

2%  Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation and agency policies and procedures. Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines.

2%  Participates in the Performance Improvement process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and environmental concerns.  Participates in clinical record review.  Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested.

2%  Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities, as required  (NE)

2%  Completes a minimum of 12 hours of inservices per year.  (NE)

2%  Performs other duties as assigned.   (NE)