Being a healthcare assistant involves knowing how to perform basic to advanced, simple to complex medical tasks. The accuracy, efficiency, and efficacy in each task should be documented and analyzed. Otherwise, health complications and emergencies may arise.
Being thoroughly trained and supervised in various settings will help
you perform well; you must also be well aware of your environment.
To provide healthcare services in a hospital, expect responsibilities like washing and dressing patients, helping them move around, serving and feeding meals, making beds, and monitoring vital signs regularly.
In health centers, HCAs must run health checks, take blood samples, process lab samples, sterilize equipment, restock consulting rooms, and perform other duties as required.
Healthcare assistants will deal with different patients daily as well as
work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Healthcare assistants should exhibit the following qualities:
- Caring and kind
- Cheerful and friendly
- Willing to go the extra mile with hands-on care
- willing to perform personal care tasks for patients
- Following instructions
- Work within a team
- Be self-motivated
- Excellent communication, organization, and observational skills
HCA training involves learning and performing basic nursing skills. Additional training may vary depending on your specific job title or where you work, whether in a hospital, health center, clinic, residential facility, or community.