Health Care Aide

Unit 43 is a busy Acute General Medical and Medical/Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at the Peter Lougheed Centre. The medical/psychiatry service is a unique model to the PLC and provides a multi-disciplinary integrated approach to the treatment of patients with concurrent medical and psychiatric illnesses in order to better address the needs of this population. You will be required to care for patients who at times can become agitated, aggressive and unpredictable. You must be able to de-escalate patients and respond appropriately. The Health Care Aide (HCA) is responsible for providing direct care to patients on Unit 43 by way of assisting patients in their activities of daily living. You will ensure both the direct comfort and safety of the patient and provide indirect services to support the overall provision of care. You will work within a CoAct model of care and work in collaboration with the care hub team in your assigned area. You will work under the supervision of the RN, LPN or other licensed healthcare profession and will be expected to maintain a high standard of quality care, participate in quality improvement activities, and integrate the principles of patient and family centered care in your practice. You will be expected to demonstrate: flexibility and reliability; be self-directed; show accountability in own practice; initiative; problem solving, critical thinking and conflict resolution skills; interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build collaborative relationships; time management and prioritization skills; and promote and foster a positive team environment following the AHS Code of Conduct and Values.

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.

At least 3 years of experience as a Health Care Aide in an acute inpatient nursing unit (urban) within the last 4 years. Currently working in acute care urban inpatient unit (medical/surgical). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support- Healthcare Provider (BCLS-HCP) Must be able to communicate clearly in verbal and written English. Physical ability to push, lift and carry upwards of 30lbs required. Must be physically able to walk, stand, bend and sit for the majority of a shift. Must be able to provide assistance to patients with mobility issues.

Current experience on Unit 43 preferred. Experience working in med/psych preferred. HCA Documentation or experience with Connect Care. Completion of HCA communication course. It’s Your Move or other related safe patient handling training. See the Person and/or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention within the last 2 years. A demonstrated ability to work with seniors/patients with reactive behaviors and cognitively impaired patients. Experience working in CoAct model.