Job Location : Colorado Springs,CO, USA
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