A Healthcare Assistant, or HCA cares for patients in a hospital, residential care facility or a patient’s home. Their duties include assisting patients with daily activities, checking vital signs and assisting nursing staff when necessary.
Healthcare Assistants must be well versed in a number of care and medical techniques. They must be informed about the most recent care techniques available and always be looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Some common duties and responsibilities include:
• Assisting with daily living activities such as eating, showering and using the toilet
• Utilising equipment to move patients when necessary
• Helping tidy the patient’s home or room
• Taking the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature
• Talking to patients and reassuring them
• Attending meetings with other healthcare professionals
• Assisting nurses and other staff when needed
• Adhering to professional standards
• Delivering reports to Case Managers and reviewing any important changes in the patient’s condition