Health Care Aide

The Health Care Aide (HCA) provides patient care services as an unregulated worker under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Responsibilities: Provides personal care and assistance with activities of daily living as outlined in the care plan, including but not limited to personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, grooming, transferring, and mobilizing. Provides emotional support by being a good listener, being supportive, being friendly and sincere, and interacting in a positive and optimistic manner. Provides respite care to relieve family caregivers including but not limited to companionship, recreational activities, and supervision. Performs health care duties as authorized on the client’s plan of care including simple dressings, medication assistance, catheter care, ostomy care, and exercises for range of movement and strengthening. You will be responsible for operating a mobile phone and for manual handling (lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling) as a regular part of the job. For example: lifting approximately 30 pounds in and out of a vehicle on a regular basis and carrying this weight up and downstairs throughout the day is common within this job. Learning resources and training are provided to safely perform work.

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.

Ability to work as a member of a team and to request and accept direction as required. Effective communication in verbal and written English is required. Effective interpersonal communication skills with patients/clients, families, visitors and team members. Well-developed time management skills. Medication Assistance Certificate or prior experience in medication assistance and administration is preferred. 2-5 years' experience working as an HCA. Previous Home Care experience.

3-5 years' experience working as a HCA. Previous Home Care experience. Previous experience with medication assistance.