Careers

Home Health Aide

Position Summary

Responsible for assisting RN Staff in providing care to patients and families who are experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; and demonstrates sound understanding of the end stages of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.) per plan of care;
• Promotes expression and venting of feelings and normalization of experience for patient, family and staff;
• Report changes in patient condition to RN Case Manager or RN on-call;
• Support and maintain regulatory compliance;
• Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures;
• Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training;
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned;
• Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises;
• Provide on-call services and patient visits, as scheduled;
• Travel as required.

Formal Education Requirements

At least a H.S. Diploma or G.E.D.

Formal Experience Requirements

At least one (1) year experience as a Home Health Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, or Personal Care Assistant is preferred.

Skills and Abilities (Competencies)

Certificates and Licenses

• Current NYS Home Health Aide Certification in good standing
• Valid Driver license and current auto insurance

Job Specific Competencies

• Clinical Judgment- Demonstrates critical thinking, analysis and critical judgment in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through use of the nursing process to address the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patients and families.
• Advocacy and Ethics- Incorporates ethical principles and professional standards in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; as well as identifying and advocating for the wishes and preferences of patients and families.
• Professional Conduct- Demonstrates, knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the professional standards, code of ethics, and scope of practice for hospice, palliative nursing, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Collaboration- Actively promotes dialogue with patients and families, the healthcare team and community to address and plan for issues related to living with, and/or dying from life-limiting, progressive illnesses.
• Cultural Competence- Demonstrates cultural competence by respecting and honoring the unique diversity and characteristics of patients, families, and colleagues in hospice/palliative care.
• Facilitator of Learning- Facilitates learning for patient, family, self, members of the healthcare team and community through the development, implementation and evaluation of formal and informal education related to living with, and/or dying from a life-limiting, progressive illness.
• Communication- Demonstrates the use of effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with patients, families, members of the healthcare team and community in order to therapeutically address and accurately convey the hospice/palliative care needs of patients and families.

Additional Skills/Abilities/Requirements

• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality and professional conduct;
• Strong communication skills including listening, verbal and written;
• Ability to work in a team setting, collaborate with others and adapt to a changing environment, while balancing priorities;
• Adhere to mission, vision, values, operating principles and strategic priorities;
• Must be proficient with electronic medical records;
• Ability to complete daily documentation/timesheets, etc., and other work in a timely manner with limited supervision.
• Multi-lingual competency is desirable.

Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards

This position works in contact with risks associated with blood-borne pathogens and needle sticks.  Care must be taken to follow all health and safety requirements.

Physical Requirements

Position requires a moderate level of independent judgment in performing responsibilities.  Position also involves moving and lifting patients, and carrying light loads and supplies with or without assistance.