Home Health Aid - CNA - Hospice - Full-time

Frederick Health Hospice is seeking a full-time Hospice Aid - Certified Nursing Assistant to work Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

Job Summary

The Home Health Aide is a Certified Nursing Assistant and is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary team working under the supervision of a registered nurse and performing various services for a patient as necessary to meet the patient's personal needs and promote comfort or assist the patients to reach their maximum potential. The Aide is responsible for observing the patient, and reporting and documenting observations and care performed. Participates in quality improvement activities within the department.

This position supports the Frederick Health mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the Frederick Health Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the Frederick Health Standards of Behavior.

Essential Functions

• Provides personal care and/or support services according to a written plan of care.

o Considers patient privacy when providing bath, mouth care, hair care, shaving, and skin care.

o Maintains neatness of the work area.

o Lifts, turns and positions patient to assure correct body alignment and comfort.

o Transfers and ambulates patients. Assists patient in and out of bed, transfers to chair, commode or wheelchair: assists patient to walk with assistance and/or other equipment such as crutches, walker, or cane.

• Meets safety needs of patient and uses equipment properly.

o Cleans spills according to policy, i.e. body fluids.

o Observes equipment function at each visit and reports any dysfunction immediately.

o Monitors patient area for safety hazards, i.e. fire potential, fall potentials.

• Carries out basic infection control procedures.

o Proper hand washing techniques.

o Cleans patient supplies and equipment.

o Uses special precautions in care of patients with infectious diseases.

o Disposes of dressings and other waste according to protocol.

• Accepts delegation from Clinical Supervisor and/or RN, Case Manager.

o Uses communication tools effectively: phones and computers.

o Functions in a collaborative and respectful manner.

o Accurately takes and records temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and bowel movements as directed.

o Observes and reports patient status, significant changes or issues related to patient or family/caregiver and care provided to the assigned RN / Case Manager.

o Completes all documentation in a timely manner according to protocol.

o Uses time wisely in respect of daily schedule.

• Assumes responsibility for job development.

o Maintains up to date licensures required for job performance.

o Attends required education programs and attains minimum of twelve continuing education hours applicable to state regulation requirement (COMAR).

o Assists in orienting new employees.

o Stays informed of department/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings 100% of time.

o Participates in continuous quality improvement activities.

• Providing homemaking and supportive assistance when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and follow written instructions and to document care given.
• If working for Hospice, understanding of Hospice philosophy, and is comfortable providing specialized care to the terminally ill.
• Upon hire must be able to complete and maintain competency in: specified exercises and treatments prescribed by a provider for the patient, Infection Control for the Home Care environment, basic certified nursing assistant skills
• Ability to work with little direct supervision.
• Ability to stay calm and provide comfort, flexibility, and strength in stressful and highly emotional situations.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required

• CNA certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Must possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• 1 year of experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Must have a valid driver's license with a vehicle in good working order that is insured in accordance with state and organizational requirements.

Patient Contact

If applicable, must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups:

N/A___Neonate (0 thru 30 days)

_X__Infant (31 thru 12 months)

_X__Child (13 months thru 12 years)

_X_ Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)

_X__Adult (18 years thru 65 years)

_X__Geriatric (66+ years)

If applicable, must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status. Possess the ability to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/department's policies and procedures.

Physical Reqirements

Medium-Heavy Work - Lifting up to 75 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking. Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).

Ergonomic Risk Factors

Repetition: Repeating the same motion over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Forceful Exertion: The amount of physical effort required to perform a task (such as moving patients) or to maintain control of equipment or tools. The amount of force depends on the type of grip, the weight of an object or person, body posture, the type of activity and the duration of the task.

Awkward Posture: Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Contact Stress: Pressing the body hard on sharp edges can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. For example, using the palm of your hand to hit or stick objects can increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working Conditions

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Risk: Category A - WILL have exposure to blood or body fluids.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to Clinical Supervisor or Manager

Disclaimer

The content of this document reflects the general duties, responsibilities, minimum skills, abilities and competencies necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as an exhaustive detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.

Hourly range: $20.25 to $27.91