Hospice Aide

Reports To: Director of Clinical Services

About Luminary Hospice:

At Luminary Hospice, we are a mission-driven organization that empowers our team members to shape our culture in order to allow them to provide the highest quality support to patients and families throughout their entire end-of-life journey.

Our mission is to deliver personalized care that radiates compassion and preserves dignity for all that we are honored to serve on their end-of-life journey. We are centered on caring for the whole person – with expert medical care, pain management as well as emotional and spiritual support along with resources, information, and emotional support for families and caregivers.

About the role:

The hospice aide 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 aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed. 

The hospice aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity, and safety of a patient's care. 

Job Responsibilities:

1. Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly.  If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately. 

2. Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within the realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality. 

3. Meeting the safety needs of the patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2, etc.) 

4. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos, and changing bed linen as often as assigned. 

5. Assisting in dressing and undressing patients as assigned. 

6. Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned. 

7. Assisting in feeding the patient as assigned. 

8. Taking and recording oral, rectal, and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency. 

9. Providing proper care and observation of the patient's skin to prevent the breakdown of tissue over bony prominence. 

10. Assessing and reporting on the patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues. 

11. Assist in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist. 

12. Provide a normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed. 

13. Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.” 

14. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals.  Assisting as assigned with light laundry needs. 

15. Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency. 

16. Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate. 

17. Keeping the patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned. 

18. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct. 

19. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities. 

20. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs. 

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description. 

Job Qualifications:

1. Active STNA or CNA (state will dictate) Certification in the state performing job duties.

2. Meets the training requirements of the State. 

3. Completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training.  Sixteen hours of classroom must be completed before a mandatory 16 hours of practical training. 

4. At least 18 years of age. 

5. Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given. 

6. Understands hospice philosophy and is comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill. 

7. Satisfactory references from previous employers. 

8. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision.  Secure with issues of death/dying. Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home. 

9. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail, and the impaired. 

10. Possess and maintain current CPR certification. 

11. Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene. 

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

13. Complete a probationary period.  This probationary period is to ensure the aide is competent in the above qualifications and is documented by the supervisor and the employee. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Luminary Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All employment decisions at Luminary Hospice are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

Luminary Hospice offers a competitive compensation package, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, and more. Our benefits are designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term financial goals.