Health Care Assistant (HCA) - General Side
Peamount Healthcare
Peamount Hospital
*** Full Time, Part Time & Relief Positions Available ***
Job Title and Grade - Health Care Assistant (HCA) - General Side
Competition Reference - N/A
Closing Date - Tuesday 18th February 2025
Proposed Interview date(s) - From week of 24th February 2025
Taking up Appointment - A start date will be indicated at job offer stage
Location of Post - Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin
Tenure - There is currently Full Time, Part Time & Relief vacancies available.
Details of Service
Peamount Healthcare provide diverse health and social care services within Rehabilitation, Residential & Community settings.
Rehabilitation services are provided for Respiratory, Age-related, Neuro and Rheumatology patients.
Peamount Healthcare provide services for adults with an Intellectual disability and have developed a unit for ageing ID adults with complex medical needs. A neuro disability residential service and an older person's residential service are also provided. These services are delivered by a multi-disciplinary team.
Peamount Healthcare also provide community services within the Peamount Community 'Hub' and Outpatient services including clinics, phlebotomy and radiology
Reporting Relationship
When working in the Nursing area, the post holder will report to the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 or designated person in charge. The post holder will be Accountable to the Assistant Director of Nursing and the Director of Nursing.
The role of the HCA is to support the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction of qualified nursing personnel (Shannon et al., 2001).
Purpose of the Post
To assist with the delivery of rehab residents/older person adult care under the supervision and direction of Nursing or other Professional Staff.
"Healthcare assistants provide assistance, support and direct personal care to patients and residents in older person/ Rehab settings. They generally work in support, or under delegation, direction and supervision, of health professionals. They support multi-disciplinary teams in the delivery of high-quality care." - International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The health care assistant, under the direction/supervision of the Nurse, will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to assist in providing high standards of health and social care to residents/older adults. The Health Care Assistant will carry out assigned and delegated responsibilities involving direct and indirect care with all activities of daily living under the supervision of a registered Nurse, e.g. to assist residents/older adults with personal hygiene, dietary intake , physical, mental, social health and wellbeing care needs. The health care assistant will support residents/older adults in directing their own lives, choices and preferences, in accordance to their cognitive and physical abilities. Care will be provided in an environment that reflects the comforts of home.
The Health Care Assistant role involves:
The duties outlined hereunder
Any other duties that may be necessary in the context of specific unit situations.
Core Responsibilities
The Health Care Assistant will:
Assist in the provision of quality service under the direction of the CNM 1 &2 / Registered Nurse by promoting and adopting the Peamount's philosophy of care, working in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.
Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Peamount Healthcare
Maintain throughout Peamount awareness of the privacy and dignity of the patient in relation to all our activities
Demonstrate motivation and appreciate the importance of providing a quality service for rehab residents and older person's adults
Respect rehab residents/older person's adults, their families and colleagues as individuals showing dignity, courtesy and professionalism at all times.
Act as an advocate for rehab residents/older person' adults.
Actively promote the participation of rehab residents/older person' adults in their own care and encourage as much independence as possible.
Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to them during the course of their work.
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team.
Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.
Quality and Safety
The Health Care Assistant will:
Support the implementation and evaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives
Work within own role, adhering to current legislation, policies, procedures protocols and guidelines
Undertake duties as assigned by the CNM/Registered Nurse in such a way as to ensure that care is of a high standard
Report all complaints in accordance with service policy
Ensure all actions support the enhancement of a person-centred service and a person-centred culture within the team
Co-operate with quality reviews /service evaluations and assists with the implementation of any necessary corrective action.
Health & Safety including Maintaining a Safe Environment:
The Health Care Assistant will:
In accordance with Health and Safety at Work policy, observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
Understand and adhere to all relevant Peamount's policies, guidelines, and procedures, comply with health and safety, infection control and risk management procedures, comply with statutory obligations.
Report any accidents, near misses, incident or potential incident to the person in charge which may compromise the health and safety of rehab residents/older person's adults, staff or visitors and take appropriate action including completion of near miss / incident forms.
Attend training courses as required. Only undertake any duty related to rehab residents/older person's adults care for which he / she is trained.
Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules and existing policies and procedures.
o Present to work wearing the agreed attire, footwear, and identification, having regard to the highest standard of attire and personal hygiene. This includes not having possession of personal mobile phones while delivering resident/older adult care.
Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures safe rehab resident/older person care. Participates in maintaining a safe environment for rehab residents/older person's adults, visitors and staff by ensuring vigilance in identifying potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove such hazards.
These steps will include:
o Report broken or unsafe items that need repair and take them out of circulation as required
o Move, or assist in moving, equipment and/or furniture as necessary.
o Attending to the hygiene (disinfecting and cleaning) of equipment such as I.V. stands, infusion pumps, hoists, beds, patient chairs, commodes or other ward equipment.
o Be responsible for the appropriate storage and infection prevention of rehab resident/older person's adults' equipment on the ward.
o Assist in keeping all ward areas clean and tidy.
o Assist in the disposal of clinical waste according to Peamount hospital policy.
o Washing and making up beds and bed side chairs and table top when necessary.
o Prepare ward and bed areas for the reception of new resident/older adult.
o Returning trays and equipment to proper storage areas.
o Attend to spillages when necessary as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.
o Provide support to rehab residents/older adults in maintaining the living environment, preparation of meals and activities of daily living[1].
o Be aware of fire risks, and minimise same where possible. Be aware of fire exits, keep free from obstructions, attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills. Maintain bed fire sheets on all beds as appropriate, and document monthly.
o Escort/transport patients within or outside the hospital when necessary.
o Assist rehab residents/older person's adults with mobility and reduce the risks for residents/older adults who are disorientated when moving around the ward.
o Assist visitors on the ward to prevent them falling or injuring themselves.
o Assist with the safekeeping of rehab residents /older person adult's personal property (collaborate with nursing staff in dealing with money, valuables and medication) and document as per Peamount's policy.
Education & Training
The Health Care Assistant will:
Attend induction and mandatory in-service education.
As requested, participate in the induction of new staff.
Participate in team based development, education, training and learning.
Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with their line manager.
Ensure knowledge and skills are updated to maintain safe standards of care for residents/older clients.
Communication and Teamwork :
Effective communication is a core skill required by Health Care Assistants at Peamount Healthcare. These skills will be used to provide a caring service to the residents and patients in a courteous and effective manner.
The Health Care Assistant will:
Operate in accordance with the values of the Peamount Healthcare. These values include integrity and openness, respect and support, caring and loyalty to the organisation (Dignity at work Policy).
Deal courteously with rehab residents/older person's adults, their family, with visitors, other healthcare workers and with anyone whom they come in to contact in the course of their duties.
Demonstrate a range of listening skills appropriate to the context of resident/older adult, visitor and ward situations. Be perceptive in interpreting non-verbal communication. Communicate effectively with rehab residents/older person's adults taking into account their differing levels of ability to understand and their condition.
Use a range of communication methods to exchange information with nursing staff. Direct all enquiries about a rehab resident/older person adult's condition to a member of the nursing staff. This includes both telephone and verbal inquiries. Report to nursing staff any requests from rehab residents/older person's adults or relatives and any complaints of pain and distress expressed by the rehab residents/older person's adults. Complete records accurately.
Communicate effectively with all grades of staff and disciplines contributing to effective team working. Respect culture and diversity within the team. Strive to foster good working relationships within the team including handling conflict. Work effectively and co-operatively with colleagues in all disciplines. Develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
Participate and contribute to the team including handovers/meetings /care planning, as appropriate on service related issues.
Participate in maintaining a physical environment that communicates peace, comfort and caring to residents/older adults and their families.
The HCA has important obligations in relation to maintaining confidentiality. This applies to information accessed through interactions with patients and their relatives or through interactions with other staff. However, there is also an obligation to report to the Nurse, or other relevant authority any information that may indicate the potential of harm occurring to any person.
Breathing:
The Health Care Assistant will:
Recognise and report any signs of distress or change in the rehab residents/older person's adults breathing pattern to the Nurse immediately. Required training in Activities of Living Patient Care minor module must be completed.
Assist with positioning the rehab resident/older person's adult to make breathing easier and more effective.
Locate and bring oxygen-supplying equipment to the bedside as directed by the Nurse.
Help rehab residents/older person's adults conserve their oxygen supply and reduce their demands for oxygen by positioning personal items such as drinks, tissues and reading material within easy reach.
Maintain the bedroom in a well-ventilated condition, and in the condition perceived by the rehab resident/older person's adult as being most comfortable.
Eating and Drinking
The Health Care Assistant has a significant contribution to make in helping rehab residents/older person's adults meet their needs for food and drink (nutrition and hydration).
In the context of resident/older resident care under the direction of the Nurse the Health Care Assistant will:
Where required/requested assist the rehab resident/older person's adult in choosing from the menu and completing the menu card.
Prepare the eating environment by removing any clutter prior to meals and making it as aesthetically pleasant as possible.
Offer the resident/older adult with the opportunity to clean teeth/dentures, to use toilet facilities and or to wash their hands, as appropriate.
Assist rehab residents/older person's adults with their diet and fluids in accordance with care plan.
Assist rehab residents/older person's adults with cutting or arranging their food.
Observe and record the amount of food and liquids consumed by residents/older adults who need special monitoring in this area and document appropriately.
Make rehab residents/older person's adults comfortable after their meals (for example repositioning them or offering opportunities to clean their teeth or dentures)
In the absence of catering staff, assist with preparation and serving of meals, nutritional drinks and light snacks in limited circumstances i.e. out of hours or in emergency situations.
Elimination:
Eliminating waste from the body is an essential process for human-being. It is a function of nursing to assist people in this activity of daily living when assistance is required. The Health Care Assistant will assist with residents/older adults elimination needs, as appropriate.
The Health Care Assistant will:
Supervise rehab residents/older person's adults in the toilet and bathrooms when this is necessary and appropriate
Assist rehab residents/older person's adults on bedpans or commodes
Attend to residents/older adults post elimination hygiene needs and promote good hand washing.
Assist the rehab resident/older client with incontinence wear as required.
Measure and record volume of urine eliminated as directed by nursing staff.
Assist rehab residents/older clients to the bathroom as required
Record bowel elimination using the Bristol Stool Score
Empty urinary drainage bags record/report volume, colour, odour and any abnormalities as appropriate
Dispose of used sputum containers and report any abnormalities or changes, as appropriate. Strictly adhere to the universal precautions identified in the infection control policy so as to prevent spread of infection when dealing with human waste products
Personal Cleansing and Dressing:
The Health Care Assistant contributes to resident/older adult's comfort and the maintenance of their personal dignity by assisting them, when necessary with personal cleansing/intimate care and dressing activities.
These may include;
Bed-bathing or assisting the resident/older client to shower/bathe in accordance with the rehab resident/older adult's needs, wishes and consent.
Observe the rehab resident/older adult's skin condition and document/report any abnormalities/changes to nursing staff.
Assist the resident/older adults with their oral hygiene, as per care plan.
Helping residents/older adults to dress and groom according to their wishes
Controlling Body Temperature:
People's comfort and indeed survival depend on their body temperature being maintained within a normal range. The HealthCare Assistant will assist in maintaining rehab resident/older person's adults' comfort and body temperature within normal ranges in the following ways.
Offering extra blankets or removing them as requested by the rehab resident/older persons' clients or nursing staff
All changes in the rehab resident/older person adult's temperature or condition and any subsequent interventions must be immediately reported to the Nurse.
Mobilising:
The Healthcare Assistant will, in accordance with the care plan, assist residents/older adults to maintain or regain their independence by assisting them to mobilise in the following ways;
Promote independence with mobilising, as appropriate
Provide rehab residents/older person's adults with the aids that have been provided to enhance opportunities for mobility in consultation with the nursing staff.
Assist rehab residents/older person's adults with walking when it is appropriate, in line with their moving and handling assessment
Assist with repositioning the resident/older adult when in bed
Assist residents/older adults with aids that enhance opportunities for mobility
Participate in moving or handling residents/older adults as directed by nursing staff and according to moving and handling policy
Report all falls, near misses or other untoward events to the nursing staff and record in the National Incident Reporting Form (NIRF).
End of Life Care:
Addressing issues relating to death and dying constitutes an important part of the Health Care Assistant role. This may include;
Establishing a quiet, comfortable and dignified environment for the dying person and family members to share
Listening with respect and with empathy to relatives
Providing comforting and refreshing drinks or snacks to relatives who may be spending long periods both day and night with their dying family member.
Providing comfort measures for the resident/older adult as directed by the nursing staff. These may include frequent small sips of fluid, or adjusting pillows or bedclothes or sitting with the resident/older adult, where required.
Assisting with the preparation of the resident/older adult's remains for its removal.
Organisation of the deceased person's belongings for their return to the family in line with local policy and procedures.
Collaboration in Other care /care area Activities
The efficiency and effectiveness with which a care provider can meet the needs of its residents/older adults depends on how well all the staff work together as a team. The Health Care Assistant is a key member of the care team, and may be requested to undertake some activities that are indirectly related to resident/older adult care.
They may include:
Working as part of multidisciplinary team and contribute to the development of care plans.
Assisting the Nurse in the provision of quality nursing service.
Accepting guidance and assisting the Nurse in duties associated with the delivery of care and management of the environment and other support duties as appropriate.
Support the implementation and evaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives
Checking care /care area stocks and listing those that need reordering
Restocking as required
Maintaining orderly storage of supplies
Delivering specimens as required
Provide and participate in meaningful activities to the residents/older adults, document these, find out what is important to the residents/older adults
Provide individualised and group activities
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience
1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc
(a) Candidates must have at the closing date for receipt of applications:
(i) The relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) level 5 qualification.
OR
(ii) An equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcare
qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC
Ireland framework.
OR
(iii) Be currently employed as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable role.
AND
(b) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
2. Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
3. Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
With regard to Criterion (i), the listing below has been identified as what is considered relevant QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* Major Award in Healthcare qualifications.
QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support
QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies
QQI Level 5 Community Care
QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills
QQI Level 5 Community Health Services
*(A full QQI/FETAC 5 Major award requires a minimum of 120 credits/8 Modules - Please note a Component Certificate will not suffice.)
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Demonstrates the following
Professional Knowledge
Demonstrates evidence of experience working in a Health or Caring Service
Demonstrates awareness of person-centered approach
Demonstrates awareness of role of the Nurse
Demonstrates knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
Demonstrates knowledge of Health Services and role of Health Care Assistant
Planning & Organizing
Demonstrates evidence of effective planning and organizing skills
Demonstrates flexible approach to work
Demonstrates ability to work on own initiative
Demonstrates good organizational ability with practical competence
Teamwork
Demonstrates ability to work as a member of team and make positive contributions to that team
Demonstrates an understanding of one's own role and the roles of others within the team
Demonstrates respect for other team members
Demonstrates a willingness to participate in change initiatives
Understands the need to be flexible and actively adapt within ones' own role.
Resident/client/Customer Focus
Demonstrates ability to work in a resident/client/customer focused environment
Demonstrates evidence of ability to empathize with and treat residents/older adults, babies, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Demonstrates an understanding of the diversity and cultural and ethnic needs of the service users.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrates effective communication skills both written and verbal
Competition Specific Selection Process
Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or short-listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your CV. The criteria for ranking and or short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Peamount Healthcare is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the Peamount Healthcare bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. Peamount Healthcare believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success - we aim to develop the workforce of Peamount Healthcare so that it reflects the diversity of service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
Peamount Healthcare is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. Peamount Healthcare aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
For further information on Peamount Healthcare, please visit our website www.peamount.ie
Code of Practice
Peamount will run this campaign in compliance with the Cod of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle's basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of Code of Practice.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse/ie/eng/staff/jobs
The reform programme outlined for the Health Service may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed
The job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive or restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.