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Hospice Nurse Job Summary:  Primary functions are to perform admissions and administer nursing care for patients of all ages in their place of residence, coordinate care with the Interdisciplinary Group/Team, patient/family, and referring agency; and assume the responsibility for coordination of care. Responsible for delivering holistic and individualized care to patients with terminal illnesses. They work closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that patients and their families receive comprehensive support. The role involves not only clinical expertise but also empathy, communication skills, and a commitment to enhancing the end-of-life experience for patients.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assessment and Care Planning:
   • Conduct thorough assessments of patients, taking into account their physical,       emotional, and spiritual needs.
   • Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the       interdisciplinary team and the patient's family.

1. Symptom  Management:
   • Monitor and manage symptoms associated with the patient's illness, such as pain,       nausea, and respiratory distress.
   • Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, adjusting care plans as needed.

1. Patient  and Family Education:
   • Educate  patients and their families about the nature of the illness, treatment       options, and what to expect during the end-of-life process.
   • Provide emotional support and guidance to help families cope with the challenges       they may face.

1. Coordination of Care:
   • Collaborate       with physicians, social workers, spiritual care providers, and other       members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate and optimize patient       care.
   • Communicate       effectively with healthcare professionals and community resources       involved in the patient's care.

1. Comfort      Care:
   • Focus       on providing comfort and dignity to patients, addressing their physical,       emotional, and spiritual needs.
   • Assist       with activities of daily living and ensure a peaceful and supportive       environment.

1. End-of-Life      Planning:
   • Facilitate       discussions about end-of-life preferences and assist patients and       families in creating advance care plans, including living wills and       do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.

1. Documentation:
   • Maintain       accurate and detailed patient records, documenting assessments, care       plans, interventions, and communications with the interdisciplinary team.

1. Continuous      Learning:
   • Stay       informed about advancements in palliative and hospice care.
   • Participate       in ongoing education and training to enhance clinical skills and       knowledge.
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Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate School of Nursing. Licensure: Current State license as a Registered Nurse; Current driver’s license.

Experience: Two (2) years experience as a Registered Nurse in a clinical care setting and one (1) year full time hospice.

Skills: Nursing skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice. Knowledge of state and federal regulations. Good interpersonal skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Compassion and empathy towards patients and their families. Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Knowledge of end-of-life care principles and pain management.

Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in patients homes in various conditions; possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases; ability to work a flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather; PRN emergency calls.

Physical and Mental Effort:

Prolonged standing and walking required, with ability to lift up to 50lbs and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines and patient needs, and to make quick decisions and resource acquisition; meet patient/family individualized psychosocial needs. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.

Job Summary: A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in some states, is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. LVNs play a critical role in various healthcare settings, ensuring the well-being and comfort of patients while collaborating with the broader healthcare team.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care:

· Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician or registered nurse.

· Monitor and record vital signs, patient progress, and any changes in condition.

· Assist in the development and implementation of patient care plans.

2. Assessment and Documentation:

· Conduct patient assessments and contribute to the development of nursing care plans.

· Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, documenting patient care, medications, and progress.

3. Collaboration:

· Work closely with registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate and deliver comprehensive patient care.

· Communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.

4. Patient Education:

· Provide education to patients and their families regarding health conditions, medications, and treatment plans.

· Instruct patients on self-care and preventive measures.

5. Wound Care:

· Perform basic wound care and dressing changes.

· Monitor and assess the healing progress of wounds.

6. IV Therapy:

· Administer and monitor intravenous (IV) medications and fluids as directed by healthcare providers.

7. Emergency Response:

· Respond to emergencies, assess the situation, and initiate appropriate interventions.

· Collaborate with the healthcare team in emergency situations.

8. Supervision:

· May supervise and delegate tasks to certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other support staff.

· Ensure that care is delivered in accordance with established standards and policies.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma Preferred. Has successfully completed one of the following: A) Training program/competency evaluation as specified in §418.76(b)(c) of the Medicare regulations; B) Competency evaluation program that meets §418.76( c); C) Nurse aide training/competency evaluation program approved by the state and listed in good standing on the state nurse aide registry; D) State Licensure program that meets requirements of §418.76(b)©.

Licensure: Must have a current driver’s license.

Experience: At least one year experience preferred as a Hospice Aide or Nursing Assistant in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, hospice or long-term care facility or completion of Certified Nursing Assistant or Certified Home Health Aide Program.

Skills: Must be able to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, and care givers, as well as to other hospice staff. Demonstrates interest in the welfare of the ill and elderly. Successful completion of the Aide Competency Evaluation Skills Checklist that meets §418.76© and written Skills Test.

Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in patients’ homes in various conditions; possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases; ability to work a flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather.

Physical and Mental Effort:

Prolonged standing and walking required. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions, and to meet patient and family needs. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Ability to use durable medical equipment in the home.

Hospice Aide Job Summary: Primary function is to provide personal healthcare and related services to the patient in their place of residence; to assist in providing a safe and clean environment; work cooperatively with the patient, and family; and share observations and problems with the supervisor. Works under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. The focus of a HA is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families during the end-of-life journey.

The Hospice Aide provides essential personal care and emotional support to hospice patients and their families under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional. The role involves assisting with activities of daily living, ensuring comfort, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients in the hospice setting.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care:

· Assist patients with personal hygiene, including bathing, grooming, and dressing.

· Provide assistance with mobility and transfers as needed.

· Support patients in maintaining a comfortable and pain-free environment.

· Monitor and report changes in the patient's condition to the nursing staff.

2. Emotional Support:

· Offer companionship and emotional support to patients and their families.

· Engage in active listening and provide a comforting presence.

· Foster a compassionate and empathetic environment for patients facing the end of life.

3. Communication:

· Maintain open communication with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, including nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

· Report observations, concerns, and changes in patient status to the appropriate healthcare professionals.

4. Documentation:

· Accurately document care provided and observations in the patient's medical record.

· Complete required documentation in a timely and thorough manner.

5. Assistance with Activities:

· Assist with meal preparation, feeding, and light housekeeping tasks.

· Help patients engage in activities that bring them comfort and joy.

6. Education and Training:

· Participate in ongoing education and training to stay current with hospice care practices.

· Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure consistent and high-quality care.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma Preferred. Has successfully completed one of the following: A) Training program/competency evaluation as specified in §418.76(b)(c) of the Medicare regulations; B) Competency evaluation program that meets §418.76( c); C) Nurse aide training/competency evaluation program approved by the state and listed in good standing on the state nurse aide registry; D) State Licensure program that meets requirements of §418.76(b)©.

Licensure: Must have a current driver’s license.

Experience: At least one year experience preferred as a Hospice Aide or Nursing Assistant in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, hospice or long-term care facility or completion of Certified Nursing Assistant or Certified Home Health Aide Program.

Skills: Must be able to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, and care givers, as well as to other hospice staff. Demonstrates interest in the welfare of the ill and elderly. Successful completion of the Aide Competency Evaluation Skills Checklist that meets §418.76© and written Skills Test.

Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in patients’ homes in various conditions; possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases; ability to work a flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather.

Physical and Mental Effort:

Prolonged standing and walking required. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions, and to meet patient and family needs. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Ability to use durable medical equipment in the home.

Volunteering for Anchored by Grace Hospice Care, Inc. can be a rewarding and compassionate way to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families facing end-of-life care. Here are some volunteer opportunities:

1. Patient Companionship:
   • Spend time with patients, providing companionship and emotional support.
   • Engage in conversations, read books, play music, or simply offer a comforting       presence.

1. Respite      Care:
   • Provide       relief to family caregivers by offering short-term assistance in caring       for the patient.
   • This       allows family members to take a break and attend to personal needs.

1. Vigil      Volunteers:
   • Offer       support to patients who are actively dying and may not have family or       friends present.
   • Volunteers       can provide comfort and a compassionate presence during these difficult       times.

1. Administrative      Support:
   • Assist       with office tasks, such as filing, answering phones, or helping with       mailings.
   • Administrative       volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of       hospice programs.

1. Bereavement      Support:
   • Help       with bereavement services, such as making follow-up calls, organizing       support groups, or assisting with memorial events.

1. Pet      Therapy:
   • If       you have a certified therapy animal, you may be able to bring them to       visit patients, providing comfort and joy.

1. Music      Therapy:
   • Share  your musical talents by playing an instrument, singing, or creating  playlists for patients to enjoy.

1. Art      and Craft Activities:
   • Lead       art and craft sessions, providing patients with a creative outlet and a       way to express themselves.

1. Transportation      Assistance:
   • Help  run errands, providing practical  support during a challenging time.

1. Professional      Services:
   • Offer       professional services such as massage therapy, counseling, or legal       assistance to patients and their families.

1. Language      Support:
   • If       you are bilingual, offer translation services to patients and families       who may have language barriers.