Health Care Aide

High River General Hospital supports a busy rural community located just south of Calgary with a 24-hour Emergency Department, Surgical Services, Obstetrical Department, Cancer Care, and Medical Inpatients Unit. The Health Care Aide (HCA) for the Acute Medical Inpatient Unit works as a member of the health care team, collaborating on the delivery of holistic, comprehensive care to meet the needs of the patients, families, & community. The HCA works with the nursing and multidisciplinary team to support patient assessment planning, implementation, and delivery of patient care that ensures the safety and wellbeing of patients within a fast-paced acute care setting. The HCA may also be assigned to support the care of Day Surgery patients for HRGH Surgical Services. The HCA must be able to adapt quickly to changing & fluctuating workloads and demonstrate initiative, accountability, critical thinking and strong clinical skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills are required as is a commitment to integrating Patient and Family Centered Care principles, professional development and growth while promoting a positive work culture that aligns with AHS values. Being a preceptor and/or mentor for students and staff is an expectation. Staff at HRGH receive training to support patients in other departments and may be assigned to other departments when required. The HCA requires the ability to tolerate constant walking, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, and sustaining ergonomic posture requiring lifting, pushing, pulling of objects greater than 50lbs.

As a Health Care Aide (HCA), you will work as a collaborative member of the multidisciplinary team, providing personal assistance by supporting activities of daily living and delivering support services to patients (clients, residents) who require short term assistance or ongoing support, in accordance with the patient care plan and facility policies and procedures. In this role, you will work closely with patients, families, and caregivers across the continuum of care in home, community, and health care facilities. You will assist nurses with the provision of routine care to meet patients' hygiene, nutrition, mobility, recreation, and safety needs; assist with organized activities or programs; and observe and report on patients' mood, health, and wellbeing. Working under the supervision of a regulated health professional, you will assist in maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors, while supporting effective communication with patients and health care professionals. PLEASE NOTE: Until a new hire provides proof of HCA certification, they will be paid at the uncertified pay grade in accordance with the AUPE AUX Collective Agreement.

Active or eligible for registration or practice permit with the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) as a Health Care Aide, along with proof of education or completion of Health Care Aide Certificate within 18 months of hire.

The HCA will support a diverse patient population and will need to maintain full PPE when required.

Recent clinical work experience in medical or surgical acute care in last 3 years. Rural Acute Care experience within the last 6 months with a preference for HCAs with experience at HRGH. Wound care education/certification. Palliative care education/certification. Day Surgery experience. Dementia care education. NVCI certification. Able to work independently and collaboratively with diverse cultural populations and marginalized populations with socio-economic diversities.