Job Title: Health Care Assistant
Employer: Island Health
Location: Victoria, BC
Salary: $28.74 per hour
Job Description
Overview
The Health Care Assistant position at Island Health, located in Victoria, BC, is a critical role within the healthcare system. It serves as the backbone of patient care, focusing on ensuring both patient and staff safety and actively contributing to the continuous improvement of quality and safety within the healthcare facility.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Nurse Manager or a designated supervisor and working under the guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse, the Health Care Assistant carries out essential tasks related to personal care and nursing procedures. These responsibilities are centered around meeting the comfort, hygiene, and therapeutic needs of patients and residents, all in strict accordance with established policies and procedures.
The key responsibilities of a Health Care Assistant at Island Health includes:
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Provide support with mobility, such as transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs or assisting with walking.
- Monitor and record vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
- Administer medications as directed by healthcare professionals, ensuring accuracy and compliance with medication schedules.
- Assist in wound care, including cleaning, dressing changes, and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Prepare and serve meals, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Document patient information and care activities accurately in electronic health records or paper charts.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team, including nurses and doctors, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Offer emotional support to patients and their families, addressing their concerns and providing reassurance.
- Safeguard patient and staff safety by following infection control protocols, including hand hygiene and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Help patients with range-of-motion exercises and other therapeutic activities as prescribed.
- Transport patients within the healthcare facility for appointments, tests, or procedures.
- Monitor and report any changes in a patient’s condition or behavior to the healthcare team.
- Assist in maintaining a clean and organized patient environment, including regular room cleaning and sanitization.
- Provide information and education to patients and families regarding their care plans and health conditions.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with healthcare practices and regulations.
- Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patient information in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
- Foster a patient-centered care approach, considering individual patient preferences and needs in all interactions.
These responsibilities reflect the crucial role that Health Care Assistants play in providing essential care, supporting patients’ well-being, and contributing to the overall functioning of healthcare teams.
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Skills and Abilities
The following skills and abilities are required for the Health Care Assistant Position:
Effective Communication
- Verbal: Proficiency in clear and empathetic verbal communication is essential. Health Care Assistants need to convey information to patients, families, and colleagues in a way that is easily understood, reassuring, and respectful.
- Written: Strong written communication skills are necessary for documenting patient information accurately, including care plans and incident reports.
Physical Capability
- Manual Dexterity: Health Care Assistants must possess fine motor skills for tasks such as wound care, medication administration, and assisting patients with activities of daily living.
- Strength and Endurance: The role may involve physical demands like lifting and transferring patients, so physical strength and stamina are important to perform these tasks safely.
Interpersonal Skills
- Empathy: Demonstrating empathy and compassion is crucial for building rapport with patients and providing emotional support during challenging times.
- Cultural Competence: The ability to respect and understand diverse cultural backgrounds ensures that care is delivered sensitively and inclusively.
Organizational Abilities
- Time Management: Health Care Assistants must manage their time efficiently to prioritize patient care tasks, follow schedules, and respond promptly to changing circumstances.
- Attention to Detail: Precise record-keeping, medication administration, and monitoring patient conditions require acute attention to detail to ensure patient safety.
Technical Proficiency
- Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating various medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and mobility aids is essential for accurate patient care.
- Computer Skills: Basic computer skills may be needed for electronic health records and communication within the healthcare team.
Teamwork
- Collaboration: Health Care Assistants work closely with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Collaborative skills are vital to ensure seamless coordination of care and effective communication within the team.
- Conflict Resolution: The ability to resolve conflicts or address concerns professionally and constructively contributes to a harmonious work environment.
Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking: Health Care Assistants may encounter unexpected situations. Critical thinking skills help in assessing and responding to changes in a patient’s condition promptly and effectively.
- Adaptability: The healthcare field is dynamic, and adaptability is necessary to handle evolving patient needs and new medical protocols.
Compliance and Ethics
- Adherence to Protocols: Health Care Assistants must adhere to established protocols and guidelines, ensuring that care is provided in an ethical and safe manner.
- Confidentiality: Maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting privacy rights are fundamental ethical principles in healthcare.
Customer Service
- Patient-Centered Care: A commitment to delivering patient-centered care ensures that patient preferences and needs are at the forefront of decision-making.
Emotional Resilience
- Stress Management: The ability to cope with stress and emotionally demanding situations is crucial for maintaining well-being while providing high-quality care to patients and their families.
Attention to Infection Control
- Infection Prevention: Strict adherence to infection control practices, including hand hygiene and the proper use of personal protective equipment, is essential to minimize the risk of infections in healthcare settings.
These skills and abilities collectively enable Health Care Assistants to provide compassionate, safe, and effective care to patients while contributing to the overall well-being and quality of healthcare services.
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Additional Information
For a comprehensive breakdown of the job requirements, responsibilities, and additional details, please refer to the official job posting on the Island Health website: Job Requirements (PDF)
Island Health is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged.
Please ensure that your application is submitted in English.
Island Health’s dedication to delivering high-quality care, safeguarding patient and staff well-being, and continuously enhancing healthcare excellence makes the Health Care Assistant role in Victoria, BC, a significant and fulfilling opportunity. If you possess the necessary qualifications and are passionate about making a positive impact in healthcare, we encourage you to apply for this position.