CNA/HHA

JOB SUMMARY: The Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health 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 Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. The Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a patient's care. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Perform personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attend to his/her requests promptly; if unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately Provide patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality Meet safety needs of patient and use equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.) Provide personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen as often as assigned Assist in dressing and undressing patients, as assigned Plan and prepare nutritious meals, including shopping, as assigned Assist in feeding the patient, as assigned Take and record oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency Provide proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence Assess and report on patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager; also, being aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues Assist in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning, as directed Assist with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as "reminders" Offer and assist with bedpan and urinal aid, as assigned Aid with light laundry needs if necessary Perform range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service, as ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency Provide respite for patient's family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate Maintain patient's living area is 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 patient's personal needs Qualifications REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Certification of nursing assistant or HHA required per state regulations Must have completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training Must have completed sixteen (16) hours of classroom, must be completed prior to a mandatory sixteen (16) hours of practical training Must be at least 18 years of age Preferred to have one (1) year experience as Aide in community health/hospice or medical/surgical experience REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Must possess the ability to read and follow written instructions Must possess an understanding of hospice philosophy and comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill Must be able to work autonomously with little direct supervision Must successfully demonstrate tact, patience and good personal hygiene Must possess effective oral and written communications Must possess effective organizational skills Must be skilled at plan of care documentation OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be flexible in work hours to ensure the patients receive care as provided in the plan of care Must possess the ability to empathize with the needs of the ill, injured, frail and impaired Must possess the ability to address issues of death/dying Must provide a calm manner when in the patient's home WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must comply with company policies, procedures and processes in addition to Hospice and Homecare rules and regulations Must be dependable and flexible in work schedule Must comply with harassment and discrimination policies Must foster good working relationships Potential exposure to occupational hazards including, but not limited to, infectious/contagious diseases, heat, cold, noise, hazardous substances and uncontrolled home environments Must be a licensed driver with licensed automobile that is insured in accordance with organization/state requirements and is in good working order Must be willing to submit to a criminal background check prior to hire and annually thereafter Must possess and maintain current CPR certification Must comply with community home environment, rules and regulations PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: Must demonstrate vital sensory abilities including near vision, far vision, perceptual speed, visual color discrimination, depth perception and hearing sensitivity Must have finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, and manual dexterity Must be able to manipulate equipment in a safe and effective way and use tools that require motor functioning, such as blood pressure monitors and hemostats Must be able to communicate with patients, families and other health care workers Speech clarity, speech recognition and written expression are vital abilities for performing the job Must be able to lift heavy items on a frequent basis Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance and must be able to spend a prolonged amount of time standing, walking, bending and stretching Must possess the ability to deal with stressful situations as well as grieving families Must be compassionate without becoming personally involved with the patients and their families Must be willing to participate in a drug/alcohol screen prior to hire, if involved in a work- related automobile accident or if reasonable suspicion is reported