Job Description

Reports to  Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor or Case Manager 

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.

Position Qualifications

1. Meets the training requirements of the State.

2. Effective August 14, 1990, a person who has successfully completed a state established or other training program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(a) and a competency evalu­ation program, or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b), or a competency evaluation program or state licensure program that meets the requirements of S 484.36(b).

3. Shows proof of registration on the Home Care Aide Registry through the Department of Social Services, Home Care Services Bureau, preferred.

4. At least 18 years of age.

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

6. Understands hospice philosophy, 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.

Reports to Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor

The registered nurse plans, organizes and directs hospice care and is experienced in nursing, with emphasis on community health education/experience. The professional nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individual and families within their homes and communities.

Position Qualifications

1. Registered nurse with current licensure to practice professional nursing in the state.

2. Graduate of National League for Nursing accredited school of nursing.

3. Maintains a current CPR certification.

4. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

5. Registered nurses shall have a minimum of (a) one (1) year of experience as a professional nurse within the last three (3) years OR (b) have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing and a current RN license. Minimum of two years’ experience, at least one of which is in the area of public health, home care, or hospice nursing is preferred.

6. Self directed and able to work with minimal supervision.

7. Management experience not required. Responsible for supervising hospice aides.

8. Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communications; nursing skills per competency checklist.

9. Shows ability to organize and prioritize workload independently.

10. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position, and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.