Hospice of the Valley Careers

Job Goal: 

• To provide professional nursing care to Hospice patients by utilizing all elements of the nursing process; and to initiate and apply appropriate preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques; and to maintain communication regarding patient care with the physician and supervisory personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse through the State Board of Nursing; and

2. Must be a graduate of an accredited school of professional registered nursing, BSN preferred; but not required.

3. Have had one (1) year med-surg experience with a hospice, home health, medical, surgical, or critical care experience; and

4. Possess and maintain a current CPR Certification; and

5. Must have and maintain current driver’s license and current automobile liability insurance.

6. Must successfully complete the post job offer physical and submit to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at agency expense.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience with providing good pain management, IV skills preferred: and

2. Committed to the Hospice philosophy and principles of death/dying; and

3. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligation, and have the ability to work within an Interdisciplinary Team; and

4. Have had home health care or nursing home experience desired; and

5. Possesses and maintains good physical stamina and mental health; and

6. Complies with accepted professional standards and principles and has the ability to work within an Interdisciplinary Team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the Hospice care settings where patient/family/caregivers require care.

2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of the nursing process.

3. Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by:

a. Writing and initiating Plan of Care

b. Regularly re-evaluating patient/family/caregiver needs

c. Revising the Plan of Care as necessary

4. Initiates and sustains as needed the implementation of orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s Plan of Care.

5. Initiates and applies appropriate preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques and maintains communication regarding patient care with the physician and supervisory personnel.

6. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given.

7. Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.

8. Observes the patient for changes in condition and reports these changes and the patient’s/family’s/caregiver’s needs to the attending physician and appropriate supervisory personnel. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.

9. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optimal comfort care.

10. Teaches the patient/family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Educates patient/family/caregiver regarding “end of life” issues as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health, counseling with patient/family/caregiver. Works in concert with other Hospice and Interdisciplinary Team members.

11. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.

12. Assists the patient/family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.

13. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and Hospice Interdisciplinary Team members to meet the emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver.

14. Supervises ancillary personnel and delegates responsibilities when required.

15. Performs within the limits of preparation and experience.

16. Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure, such as IV Therapy, only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical background and expertise in the specialty area.

17. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes.

18. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.

19. Actively participates in Quality Management program.

20. Provides back-up on-call availability as assigned by the Clinical Care Manager.

21. Share coverage of on-call services if necessary.

22. Satisfactory return demonstration of the following skills: central line catheter, implanted ports, gastrostomy tube maintenance.

23. Understands that teamwork is a crucial part of our business, and can work well with colleagues, no matter the circumstances. Using individual skills, cooperates with others, and accepts and provides constructive feedback despite any personal conflicts between individuals involved.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Is a graduate of a program in social work accredited by the Board of Social Work Education or a closely related field; and

2. Possess and maintain a Licensure to practice as a Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in the State of Alabama; and

3. Have had a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a healthcare setting (hospice experience preferred); and

4. Must possess and maintain a current CPR Certification.

5. Must have and maintain a current Alabama driver’s license; and

6. Must have and maintain current liability insurance on vehicle; and

7. Must successfully complete the post job offer physical and submit to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at agency expense.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft programs for internal communications (email) and database tracking/reporting.

2. Must have excellent oral communication skills (written and verbal)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Assesses the psychosocial status of patient/family/caregiver related to the patient’s terminal illness and environment. Provides an assessment of the patient’s identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required.

2. Carries out planned intervention based on assessment findings. Counsels’ patient/family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.

3. Educates families regarding key learning needs.

4. Maintains clinical records on all patients.

5. Provides information and referral services for patient/family/caregiver regarding practical and environmental needs.

6. Provides information to patient/family/caregiver and community agencies.

7. Serves as liaison between patient/family/caregiver and community agencies.

8. Actively participates in Agency CQI programs.

9. Maintains collaborative relationships with Agency personnel to support patient care.

10. Participates in the development of and adheres to the Plan of Care. Attends IDG and collaborates as needed with team members.

11. Assists team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.

12. Participates in discharge planning when needed. Assist patient/family/caregiver with establishment of advanced directives and with funeral arrangements, as needed.

13. Complies with the Social Work Code of Ethics.

14. Accepts responsibility for professional growth and development through participation in continuing education programs, agency in-services, and community events.

15. Adheres to dress code.

16. Adheres to work schedule and maintains good punctuality and attendance records

17. Understands that teamwork is a crucial part of our business, and is able to work well with colleagues, no matter the circumstances. Using individual skills, cooperates with others, and accepts and provides constructive feedback despite any personal conflicts between individuals involved.

18. Utilizes current Agency and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Successful completion of a Certified Nurse Aide program to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

2. Have had one (1) year experience with hospice or home health agencies providing physical care to patients in an inpatient facility, long-term care facility or home setting.

3. Possess and maintain a current CPR Certification; and

4. Must have and maintain a current Alabama driver’s license; and

5. Must have reliable transportation and current liability insurance on vehicle; and

6. Must successfully complete the post job offer physical and submit to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x-rays at agency expense.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possesses and maintains good physical stamina and mental health.

2. Demonstrates ability to read, understand, and follow written instructions and

document care given.

3. Understands Hospice philosophy, and is comfortable providing specialized care to

the terminally ill.

4. Is self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision. Secure with

the issues of death/dying. Provides a calm manner when in a patient’s home.

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

6. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUMMARY

The Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant is a paraprofessional member of the Interdisciplinary Team 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 is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations, and documenting observations and care performed.

CNA Team members assist with ensuring the health and safety of our patients by providing quality personal care in providing the following services.

1. Responsible for basic and personal care services such as bathing, grooming, and feeding of patients.

2. Meets safety needs of the patient and uses equipment safely (i.e., foot stools, side rails and oxygen).

3. Performs patient care services as assigned by an RN, and within the scope of a C.N.A. in the state of Alabama.

5. Observes and cares for patients’ skin to prevent breakdown.

6. Assists in ambulation and exercise (as directed by primary nurse or therapist).

7. Assists in the toileting needs of patients (assisting with bedpans and urinals, emptying Foley drainage bags and bedside commodes as needed) documenting as necessary.

8. May provide light laundry and cleaning in patient’s living area (as assigned).

9. Reports vital information and changes in patient’s condition to case manager or team leader.

10. Adheres to the Agency’s documentation & care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct. Maintains confidentiality of all patient information. 

11. Provides informed respite for patient/family/caregiver when assigned by the IDT team.

12. Understands that teamwork is a crucial part of our business, and is able to work well

with colleagues, no matter the circumstances. Using individual skills, cooperation with others, and accepts and provides constructive feedback despite any personal conflicts between individuals involved.

13. Utilizes current Agency and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

14. Delivers supplies as needed when part of the patient’s plan of care. Utilizes and monitors supplies to maintain cost effectiveness. Comply with agency supply procedures.

15. Follows standard/universal precautions with all patients and transmission-based precautions as ordered by the IDT.

16. Meets annual educational requirements by attending agency educational programs or assigned self-study modules.