Hospice Aide (CNA) - Lancaster County Area - Tabitha

TABITHA’S PURPOSE:  We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Each Home Health Aide enhances the ability of Tabitha’s Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, “Seniors/clients”) to remain at home, living independently for as long as possible by providing personal care, emotional support, assistance with activities of daily living, and basic therapeutic care to Seniors/clients.  While doing so, they will contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of Seniors/clients through respectful, professional, competent and personable interaction.  This position is responsible for maintaining accurate records of Senior/client care.  This TEAMember strives to uphold Tabitha’s LIVE2Care culture and actively embraces Tabitha’s Core Values.  By doing so, the TEAMember supports Tabitha goals related to the dignity, respect, independence, competence, autonomy, personal comfort, safety and security of Seniors/clients.   In addition, the TEAMember contributes to the success of Tabitha through ongoing collaboration with family members, TEAMembers, management, volunteers and others in the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs Seniors’/clients’ personal care including activities of daily living and therapeutic care according to Senior’s/client’s written plan of care as instructed.
2. Identifies Senior/client/family teaching needs to the nurse to maintain the Senior/client in their own home.
3. Performs Senior/client care in Senior’s/client’s home, Tabitha nursing home, or other facility, as assigned and instructed.
4. Assists in monitoring the Senior’s/client’s use of equipment according to the written plan of care.
5. Provides emotional support to Senior/client and family.
6. Observes and reports changes in the Senior’s/client’s condition and problems to the Senior’s/client’s nurse or supervisor according to procedures.
7. Documents care provided, observations made, and communications with the visiting nurse on the Senor’s/client’s clinical record.
8. Adheres to the Senior’s/client’s Bill of Rights.
9. Adheres to and has knowledge of HHC policies and procedures.
10. Prioritizes assignments to complete care for Seniors/clients in allotted time making adjustments throughout shift to meet frequently changing and overlapping Senior/client/caregiver/TEAMember/manager needs. Utilizes strength, agility and stamina to carry out all essential functions safely and effectively. Willingly takes on additional duties during times of peak workload or in response to Senior/client requests.
11. Drives from one Senior/client to another, adapting to changing road and/or weather conditions.
12. Uses strength, agility and dexterity to gain access to each Senior’s/client’s home, carrying needed equipment into and out of the home.
13. Uses strength, agility, stamina and prioritization skills to respond promptly to frequent and often last minute, overlapping Senior/client/caregiver/TEAMember/manager needs or requests.
14. Evaluates emergency situations, performing CPR when necessary based on training. Maintains current CPR certification, taking refresher courses to continually maintain an active certification at all times.  Is responsible for payment of any fees related to this if the refresher training is not taken at Tabitha. 
15. Maintains, at his/her own expense, a valid Driver’s License and Automobile insurance at least equal to the state minimums. Provides a reliable vehicle.
16. Complies with HIPAA regulations regarding privacy by insuring that Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded at all times. In addition, maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding any matter pertaining to any Tabitha Seniors/clients. 
17. Consistently uses strength, agility and good body mechanics when performing essential functions, follows appropriate safety and infection control policies and procedures of Tabitha and/or community and regulatory agencies.
18. Assures reports of all broken and malfunctioning equipment are made in a timely manner.
19. Follows disaster plans and uses strength and agility during participation in preparedness drills and actual emergencies. Maintains a safe work environment.
20. Completes required training and in-services promptly. Demonstrates understanding of the course content and implements training in daily activities.
21. Participates in competency training/testing when required by policy or other business need of Tabitha.
22. Makes good decisions that contribute to the wellbeing of the Senior/clients.
23. Performs work duties within the assigned work environment related to the position, as assigned by Tabitha, regardless of TEAMember preference.
24. Maintains courteous relationship with supervisors, TEAMembers, Seniors/clients, family members, loved ones, members of other departments and volunteers, providing support and assistance to TEAMembers to ensure quality Senior/client care. Volunteers to assist others, seeks opportunities to serve Seniors/clients/loved ones/TEAMembers/Tabitha.  Demonstrates the ability to listen to Senior/client, TEAMembers, caregiver, family concerns and take appropriate action. 
25. Demonstrates knowledge of the care and treatment of all Seniors/clients. Maintains the strength and stamina sufficient to perform safe transfers to and from the bed, chair, commode, bathtub, etc.
26. Participates in meetings and in-services on both department and company levels.
27. Maintains a good record of attendance and punctuality as defined by Tabitha’s policy pertaining to attendance and punctuality. Records all time worked accurately and consistently using the timekeeping method provided by Tabitha.
28. Complies with Tabitha policies and procedures as published by Tabitha and which may be modified at Tabitha’s discretion. Contributes to quality assurance and performance improvement activities by identifying instances of non-compliance and taking appropriate action, including reporting violations of Tabitha policy or regulations as appropriate.
29. Acts with integrity and in the best interest of Tabitha. Business relationships are conducted in the best interest of Tabitha, free of gifts, cash inducements, gratuities, favors, or other improper inducements.
30. Willingly takes on additional duties and/or assignments, assisting with projects and responding to requests as assigned or as necessary.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR HOSPICE AIDE TEAMEMBERS

1. Provides meal preparation, household and other duties assigned by Senior/client to facilitate the Senior’s/client’s self-care at home.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR HOME HEALTH MEDICATION AIDES (This does not pertain to aides working for the Hospice program HOSPICE AIDES NEVER ADMINISTER MEDICATIONS )

1. Assists and/or administers medications and treatments per policy and procedure.
   
   

COMMUNICATION: Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language including medical terminology related to the job.  Sufficient fluency to be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, provide instruction to others,   read and understand a plan of care, policies, procedures or other similar documentation, interact successfully with Seniors/clients/caregivers, hold a conversation, conduct or participate in meetings, compose professional e-mails or other written communication, prepare legible, accurate and thorough documentation as required by the job and effectively interact with TEAMembers, customers, vendors, volunteers, managers and family members.  Ability to recognize and interpret non-verbal cues.  Ability to respond calmly and clearly to emergencies and emotional situations.   Ability to read a map and/or utilize a GPS system and/or follow instructions in order to find Senior/client home. 

WORKSITE CONDITIONS: Sometimes works indoors in a facility maintained by Tabitha that will typically be in good repair, clean, well ventilated and well lit.  Frequently works in Senior/client homes which will vary significantly as far as their state of repair.  Frequent exposure to dust, tobacco smoke, pets, insects, vermin, heat/steam (in bathrooms), disinfectants, allergens, infectious waste, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, cleaning products, and personal care products.  Extensive driving between Home Health Care office and Senior/client homes.  Frequent exposure to road hazards, extremes in temperature, sun, wind, snow, ice, rain, various driving conditions which are subject to change without notice, unpaved roads, ice and snow covered sidewalks/steps/porches, houses that are too warm or too cold, houses that are not maintained in a sanitary condition, noise from Senior/client televisions/radios, phones.  Frequent interruptions and changes in priorities based on needs of Seniors/clients. Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals.  Frequent interaction with Seniors/clients, TEAMembers, visitors, representatives of government agencies, etc. under all conditions and circumstances.  This will include exposure to Seniors/clients, family members and TEAMembers who may experience extremes in emotions.  Seniors/clients, in particular, may become agitated or combative.  Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when assigned.  Is subject to extended hours or callback during emergency conditions or based upon needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to drive vehicle from place to place, gain access to each Senior/client home and then safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below.  Physical stamina with the ability to perform duties while moving about one or more Senior/client homes for the entire shift with few opportunities to sit down and with little, or no, break between tasks.  Strength and agility sufficient to frequently and continuously lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, or climb stairs while performing duties (such as bathing, toileting, transferring) and manipulating various supplies and equipment.  Frequent periods of intense activity.   Ability to safely perform unassisted transfers (to and from bed, chair, toilet, commode, bathtub or shower) and otherwise provide care to Seniors/clients who are weak, frail, obese, or unable to assist due to limited mobility, quadriplegia, paraplegia, tremors, paralysis, etc.  Ability to remain calm and work effectively when others (such as Seniors/clients, TEAMembers or family members) experience emotional extremes, up to and including Seniors/clients who become combative.  Vision and hearing within normal limits (with or without correction).  Must have unrestricted lift/push/pull ability and pass a 50 - pound physical exam demonstrating strength and agility prior to employment and at Tabitha’s discretion.

EQUIPMENT USAGE: Standard and specialized equipment including but not limited to gait belts, bedpans, urinals, wheelchairs, geri - chairs, commodes, shower chairs, blood pressure apparatus, thermometers (glass, electronic and tympanic), ambulation equipment (canes, walkers, crutches, etc.), whirlpool, scales (electronic and regular), oximeter,  glucometer, Doppler, oxygen concentrator, mechanical lift devices, Clinitron bed, Aqua-K pad, braces, splints, side rails, heat lamp, humidifier, fan, telephone, computer, electronic devices, fax, and photocopier.

AGE REQUIREMENT:  At least age 18.

EDUCATION:  High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  Home Health Aide or Nursing Assistant experience preferred. 

CREDENTIALS:  CNA Certification in good standing as demonstrated by inclusion on the Nebraska State Registry, required at time of hire.  Medication Aide training/competency testing prior to client care required for Home Health Care aide positions.  CPR required.  Certifications must be kept up to date at the expense of the employee.  CPR Certification must be kept up to date at the expense of the employee.  Valid Nebraska Driver’s license (unless otherwise allowed by law) and a good driving record required.  Must possess auto insurance at or above Nebraska statutory requirements. Must meet Tabitha's vaccination requirements

STATEMENT OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Tabitha Health Care Services is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  This policy applies to all employment practices and decisions including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and the termination of employment. 

 Furthermore, Tabitha Health Care Services will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, safety, and/or health risk.  Please contact Tabitha Health Care Services Human Resources Department to request an accommodation.

 As a government contractor, the organization has adopted written Affirmative Action Plans for women and minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. These plans will be revised on an annual basis. Tabitha Health Care Services is committed to making a good-faith effort toward achieving the objectives of the Plans. Any employee who would like to review the Plans may do so by scheduling an appointment with the Human Resources Department during normal business hours.