Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Palliative Care / Home Health Aide

Job Summary:
As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) specializing in Palliative Care, you will play a crucial role in providing compassionate and personalized care to patients facing serious illness and end-of-life care needs. Working closely with the nursing team and interdisciplinary care providers, you will support patients and their families by assisting with activities of daily living, providing comfort measures, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Care and Support:
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility, ensuring their comfort and maintaining their dignity.
• Provide assistance with feeding, hydration, and nutritional support as directed by the nursing team, following prescribed diets and dietary restrictions.
• Monitor and record vital signs, intake and output, and other relevant patient data, reporting any changes or concerns to the nursing staff promptly.
• Comfort Measures and Symptom Management:
• Implement comfort measures and interventions to promote patient comfort and alleviate symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and anxiety.
• Assist with positioning, turning, and repositioning patients to prevent pressure injuries and enhance comfort.
• Provide emotional support and companionship to patients, engaging in meaningful interactions and activities to promote well-being.
• Assistance with Care Activities:
• Support the nursing team in performing clinical tasks such as obtaining specimens, performing simple dressing changes, and assisting with medical procedures under supervision.
• Prepare and maintain patient care areas, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and safety in accordance with infection control protocols and regulatory standards.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members, providing updates on patient status, concerns, and observations.
• Collaborate with nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and address patient and family needs.
• Patient and Family Education:
• Provide basic education to patients and families on topics such as personal care, safety measures, and the Palliative Care process.
• Assist in facilitating communication and understanding between patients, families, and healthcare providers regarding treatment options, advance care planning, and end-of-life preferences.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care provided, including ADL assistance, vital signs, and patient observations, in electronic health records or other designated systems.
• Report significant findings, changes in patient condition, and concerns to the nursing staff promptly for further assessment and intervention.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and current CNA certification.
• Previous experience in healthcare, preferably in a Palliative Care, hospice, or long-term care setting, is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control practices, and safety measures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy, patience, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform tasks such as lifting, transferring, and assisting with patient care activities.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality, privacy, and dignity at all times.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in Palliative Care.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Per diem, PRN

Pay: $26.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time

Physical setting:

• Outpatient

Standard shift:

• Day shift

Weekly schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Monterey, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person