Job Title: Healthcare Assistant
Location:Maryport
Job Summary:
The Healthcare Assistant provides essential support to patients by assisting with daily activities and ensuring their comfort and well-being. Working under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, the Healthcare Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care:
- Assist patients with daily personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Support patients with mobility needs, including helping them move around, use mobility aids, or transfer from bed to chair.
- Assist with feeding and ensuring patients maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
- Monitor and record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Clinical Support:
- Assist nurses and other healthcare professionals during medical procedures and examinations.
- Prepare and maintain patient care areas, ensuring cleanliness and availability of necessary equipment and supplies.
- Collect specimens, such as urine and stool samples, for laboratory testing.
- Report any changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff promptly.
Communication and Documentation:
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure clear understanding of care plans and patient needs.
- Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
- Accurately document care provided and observations in patient records.
Health and Safety:
- Adhere to infection control procedures to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Follow health and safety guidelines, including proper handling of hazardous materials and safe disposal of waste.
- Assist with the maintenance and storage of medical equipment.
Professional Development:
- Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Stay updated on best practices in healthcare and patient care.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) or similar qualification is preferred.
- Previous experience in a healthcare or caregiving role is advantageous.
- Basic life support (BLS) certification is an advantage.
Skills and Abilities:
- Compassionate and patient-focused attitude.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
- Ability to handle physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and assisting with patient mobility.
Working Conditions:
- Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
- Physical demands such as standing for long periods, lifting, and moving patients.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids.