Health Care Assistant
JOB DESCRIPTION
Health Care Assistant
Job Title: Health Care Assistant
Reports to: Home Manager/ ADON/CNM/Nurse
Job Purpose
To deliver hands on nursing care to residents in a caring respectful and person-centred manner ensuring wherever possible the resident's wishes are observed.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- To be accountable for high standards of care in the Nursing home
- To take full responsibility for the care assigned in the Nursing home
- To keep accurate and quality records as required under the HIQA standards
- To carry out all aspects of care according to the person's needs, as per his/her agreed care plan
- To ensure that the Nursing Home is secure and safe at all times and that fire and emergency policies and procedures are strictly adhered to
- To inform your Home Manager of any deficiencies, anomalies or concerns immediately
- To be familiar with all statutory instruments of legislation concerning nursing homes and to be familiar with all nursing policies and procedures within the Nursing Home
- To treat all information and FirstCare data in a secure and confidential manner
- To carry out such other duties appropriate to the post as directed by management
- To ensure that all residents receive person centred care as directed in their care plans
- To carry out care for our residents with dignity, respect and facilitate their optimum independence as much as possible
- To assist residents with their personal hygiene needs
- To assist with resident’s toileting needs
- To assist residents to mobilise safely
- To ensure residents receive assistance with eating and drinking as necessary
- To ensure residents are clothed in seasonally suitable clothing of their choice
- To participate in the delivery of therapy and any other alternative therapies as arranged / prescribed by the Social Care Leader, Home Manager, ADON/CNM or Nurse on duty
- To observe, listen and engage with the residents and, report any concerns to the Nursing staff
- To communicate with all staff, residents, relatives and visitors to the Home in a manner that will ensure good positive clear outcomes
- To attend training as directed by the Company
- To work as part of a care team referring to the allocation sheet and roster
- To follow the procedures as set out in Company policy
- To use medical nursing equipment carefully and as instructed in training
- To respond promptly to the Nurse Call bells
- To show respect for resident’s belongings
- To keep resident’s clothes clean and tidy, ensure all clothes are marked and report any issues re clothing to the Nurses/Housekeeper, or laundry assistant
- To carry out duties as instructed by the Nurse on duty or Home Manager
- To work closely with the Activity Co Ordinator and ensure engagement of residents at arranged activities
Care
- To ensure that resident's needs are met with dignity and respect and where appropriate to attend to these needs.
- To promote resident’s independence and empowerment at all times.
- To ensure the residents nutritional needs are met.
- To ensure adequate stock and the appropriate use if clinical products. To also manage misuse and overstocks.
- To participate in the management of elder abuse cases in keeping with FirstCare elder abuse policy.
- Ensure that all procedures are carried out as described in the FirstCare policy manual.
Communication
- Approach interpersonal relationships in a manner that avoids antagonism, reduces conflict and prevents undue anxiety.
- Recognise self-limitations and request assistance when required.
Governance & Risk Management
- To be familiar with the inspection procedure for all inspections.
- To ensure regulatory compliance in respect of HIQA standards, Fire, Health and Safety and Environmental Health.
- To keep up to date on current practices of Care for Older Persons.
General
- To act as an ambassador for the Firstcare Ireland brand at all times.
- To ensure confidentiality in respect of residents, staff and company business.
- Support the philosophy, objectives and goals of the Firstcare Ireland.
- Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other areas of the Nursing home as needed.
- Maintain dignity and welfare of the home through non engagement of social media, text, Facebook etc.
- To participate in the induction of new staff.
- To show interest in self-development through self-directed learning
- Report on going problems to Nurse or Home Manager
Knowledge & Skills Required
- Shows dependability by being punctual, maintains consistent attendance
- Maintains a safe environment for residents and co-workers.
- Display initiative, understanding and tolerance.
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma
- Successful completion of FETEC level 5 in Care of the Elderly is desirable.
- Previous experience in nursing homes is preferred.
must have the right to work in EA