As a Health Care Assistant you will be helping healthcare professionals to care for patients. As a Health Care Assistant you are responsible for assisting in caring for patients/residents in nursing homes, residential homes & other settings.
The job of a Health Care Assistant overlaps with that performed by a nurse. However, you are not allowed to administer medication or perform complex nursing procedures. You must ensure patients are constantly kept as comfortable as possible along with recording observations of patients throughout the day
You will be required to help during emergency situations, for instance during emergency resuscitations if you are trained to do so. Should a patient die, you will be responsible for washing and preparing the body prior to the visit of relatives and transportation to the morgue.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The precise tasks carried out by Health Care Assistant will obviously vary depending upon which healthcare professional requires help. However, typical tasks include:
* Helping patients with personal care tasks, including washing, showering, dressing, and using the toilet
* Serving food to patients and helping them to eat where required
* Making beds, changing linen, and helping to maintain a clean and tidy environment
* Talking to patients to ease loneliness and isolation, listening to their needs, and responding appropriately
* Helping patients move around safely and assisting with mobility where needed
* Turning patients who spend long periods in bed in order to reduce the risk of bed sores
* Giving out and collecting bedpans, and supporting other basic care tasks as required
* Replenishing supplies of medical equipment and assisting with the general upkeep of the care environment
* Taking and recording basic observations such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and weight, where trained to do so
* Reporting any abnormal or concerning observations to the appropriate healthcare professional immediately
* Preparing patients for therapy or medical treatment and assisting the healthcare professional during treatment where required
* Ensuring patients remain comfortable, safe, and protected from abuse at all times
* Recording and reporting care progression, incidents, accidents, and any changes in a patient’s condition
SKILLS
Health Care Assistant will need to possess the following skills:
* A caring, approachable, and tactful nature
* Good communication and listening skills
* Sensitivity and a respectful approach towards patients and colleagues
* The desire to work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds
* The ability to work on own initiative whilst recognising limitations
* Flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team
* The ability to remain calm and patient in difficult situations
* Reliability and good organisational skills
* An understanding of the need to treat confidential and sensitive information appropriately
Driving skills and access to own vehicle are highly preferred, but not necessary.
NVQ level 2 or 3 are preferable but not necessary as full training will be provided.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Flexitime
* Referral programme
* Transport links
Work Location: In person
Salary description
£13.00 - £15.00 per hour