Healthcare Assistant

• 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.

• To distribute meals to residents throughout the day.
• To help with feeding of resident/patients.
• To make and serve all beverages to residents.
• To maintain and distribute water to resident/patients.
• To place cold items on trays prior to service eg. Bread, Butter, Milk, Cereal etc.
• To collect trays from rooms at end of each service and wash down residents table tops.
• To establish the resident/patients food requirements for each meal.
• To inform chef of any specific dietary requirements and comments.

• To ensure that the sluice area and clinical room are kept clean and tidy and stocked with relevant equipment.
• To report any non-functioning equipment to the Clinical Nurse Manager/Director of Nursing
• To replenish paper towels in resident/patients room and appropriate areas

• To answer the telephone in a polite manner, stating the name of the ward and your designation, and refer enquiries to relevant people.
• To file relevant documentation in resident/patient notes as directed by the CNM/Director of Nursing
• To distribute resident/patients mail and to complete resident/patient meal requests, ensuring that they are sent to the kitchen on time.
• To undertake any necessary errands to other areas within the hospital as requested by the Nurse is Charge

• To attend in house teaching sessions.
• To attend appropriate study days as discussed with the Clinical Nurse Manager/Director of Nursing.
• To ensure that you have read and understood Cahercalla Community Hospital and Hospice Policies related to your employment.

• 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

• Genuine Resident/patient-centred approach
• Caring, compassionate and sensitive manner
• Good communication and listening skills
• Good team working skills and the ability to work on own initiative
• Flexible approach to carrying out duties

Mowlam Healthcare