Inpatient Unit Hospice Aide

Provides personal care for terminally ill persons under the direction of the Unit Charge Nurse and/or RN. Supports family members in caring for the patient.

Supervised by Unit Charge Nurse

Provides personal hygienic care to patients in the inpatient unit.

Performs routine hospice aide procedures under the direction of a Registered Nurse. These may include, but are not limited to, enemas, catheter care, range of motion exercises, body positioning and alignment, and decubitus care.

Accurately monitors and documents vital signs.

Responds to the physical, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families within scope of practice.

May demonstrate for families the use of medical equipment employing proper body mechanics.

Assists the patient to participate in activities of daily living as long as possible.

Assists patient with ambulation and/or transfer.

Demonstrates to patient/family proper body positioning and skin care techniques that promote optimal comfort and skin integrity.

Communicates pertinent observations to the RN or Unit Senior Nursing Manager, including changes in pain and other symptoms.

Provides temporary respite to patient’s family, allowing relief from total care responsibility for patient’s needs.

May assist with meal set up and feeding as indicated.

Performs other duties as assigned within scope of educational training and ability.

Checks with RN daily for assignments and directions for team support activities for that day.

Documents care and observations in the patient’s medical record in a legible and timely manner.

Attends weekly IDT meetings, bringing issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.