Health Care Aide

The Health Care Aide is an exciting role within the multidisciplinary team for the Albert Kidney Care - North (AKC-N) program. The Health Care Aide (HCA) works as a member of the health care team and is responsible for providing direct care to assist in the activities of daily living, comfort, and safety of the patient, and provides indirect services to support the overall provision of care in their assigned area. This position involves lifting and movements requiring fine motor skills (e.g. hand dexterity). With collaboration and guidance from the nursing staff, the HCA contributes to safe patient care and the efficiency of the Unit and must work under the supervision of a regulated health professional while delivering health care services. Responsibilities of the HCA may include but not limited to patient support (infectious disease screening, weighing/transporting patients, patient comfort, etc.), dialysis support (set up and dismantling of machines, water sampling, etc.) and unit support (maintaining supplies/linens, transporting specimens, etc.). This position has 4 available openings. Please note: this position is located at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. Until the hemodialysis unit at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre becomes fully operational, you will temporarily work in the hemodialysis unit at the Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood. Once the unit is fully operational, you will work out of the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre.

As a Health Care Aide (HCA), you will work as a collaborative member of the multi-disciplinary team providing personal assistance including supporting activities of daily living and 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 position you will work closely with patients, families, and caregivers spanning the continuum of care in home, community or health care facilities assisting nurses with the provision of routine care to meet patients' hygiene, nutrition, mobility, recreation and safety needs, assisting with organized activities or programs and observing and reporting on a patient's mood, health, and wellbeing. Working under a regulated health professional you will be assisting in the maintenance of a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, and maintaining effective communication with patients and health professionals.

Completion of Health Care Aide Certificate within 18 months of hire and active directory status on the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory. Must provide a confirmation letter as proof of enrolment from the Directory at https://www.albertahcadirectory.com/health-care-aides/confirmation/. Nursing students currently enrolled in an approved Alberta nursing program who have successfully completed a minimum of 100 hours of practicum; and are either in their 1st year of practical nursing program; or 2nd year of baccalaureate nursing or psychiatric nursing program will be considered. Must attest to this compliance and provide proof of qualification.

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP) certification. A passing mark of 75% on the final exam and satisfactory performance during the clinical component is required to move on to 2 weeks of full-time buddy shifts. Upon successful completion of the orientation the HCA will be able to proceed to the unit specific orientation - 2 weeks of buddy shifts as assigned by the Unit Manager. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs (18kg). Ability to meet the physical demands associated with the job i.e. pushing beds, carts, wheelchairs, dialysis equipment, and bending, and reaching. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both oral and written. Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and to request and accept direction. Excellent organizational and time management skills to efficiently organize and prioritize workload in a rapidly changing environment. Must demonstrate a high degree of motivation and organizational skills. Must have the ability to work under supervision. Must be able to adapt to frequent interruptions and changes in activity. Basic computer skills. Compliance with the AHS Hand Hygiene policies.

Current Nephrology experience within the last year preferred. Minimum one year within the last three years’ Health Care Aide experience. Familiarity with hemodialysis equipment and supplies. Supply chain management experience. Knowledge and training in Connect Care.