Healthcare Assistants – Cahercalla

Post:                           Health Care Assistant
Responsible to:         Director of Nursing

Primary Role:  To work within the nursing team and assist with the daily management of resident/patient care, whilst maintaining the dignity and confidentiality of residents/patients at all times. To assist with the smooth running of the ward area by undertaking administrative and domestic duties as directed by the Registered Nurse.

CORE OBJECTIVES

Resident/Patient Care:
To assist residents/patients with their daily hygiene needs, ensuring that the individual resident/patient requirements are met and that privacy and dignity are maintained.
To assist and support the Registered Nurse in the provision of care to a designated group of residents/patients including the turning, moving and safe transfer of patients using appropriate moving and lifting equipment.
Maintain resident/patient safety and comfort throughout the resident’s/patient’s stay, monitoring their condition and reporting significant changes to the nurse in charge.
To escort residents/patients to other hospitals as requested by the nurse in charge.
Maintain diet and fluid intake for each resident/patient appropriate to their treatment plan by assisting residents/patients with eating and drinking as the individual resident/patient requires.
To provide residents/patients with bedpans / commodes as required.
To assist in the maintenance of records as requested by the nurse in charge ensuring that any written documentation made by yourself is made known to the nurse in charge.
To be able to respond to any emergency situation which may arise in the ward and take direction from the Registered Nurse during such situations.
To interact with resident/patients and their relatives in a pleasant manner referring any question they may have to the Registered Nurse responsible for their care.
Notify the Registered Nurse of any untoward incidents regarding resident/patient care and safety.
To respect and maintain resident/patient confidentially and different religious needs.
To be aware of your responsibility regarding the Health and Safety of resident/patients, yourself and other staff members.
Assist resident/patients to and from Mass & Activities.

Catering Duties
House Keeping Duties
Clerical Duties
Education / Personal Development

Given the nature of the work, it must be stressed that maximum flexibility is required to work in the nursing home. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder periodically by the Director of Nursing

All posts are rotational throughout the 24 hour day and all posts are involved in a rotational plan. This includes day and night duty Monday to Sunday.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Recognised training i.e. QQI Level 5 or have signed on to commence QQI Level 5
Previous experience as a HCA is desirable
Previous experience in care of the older person is desirable