Health Care Assistant

Job Description

A patient care assistant provides basic medical and personal care to patients in a clinical setting. Part of the job description for a patient care assistant could include taking vital signs and charting medical information.Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Patient Care AssistantTakes vital signs and records this information on a medical chart Assists with the collection of lab specimens Transports patients to and from operating rooms, laboratories, and examining rooms Helps with bathing and grooming tasks Assists patients who need help walking or standing Communicates a patients needs to nurses and doctors as appropriate Feeds patients, ensuring that any special dietary needs are strictly adhered to Aids people in the use of any medical devices and equipment required for their specific condition Assists individuals with taking medication when needed Lifts patients in order to move them and prevent bedsores Updates relief workers on any unusual situations that may need to be addressed during their shiftRequired Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesHas strong knowledge of medical terminology, diseases, and procedures Understands basic first aid and CPR, and is capable of administering them if need be Demonstrates a personal interest in the health and well-being of others Is willing to place the needs of others first Has the ability to work without supervision Is able to maintain patient confidentiality Possesses good time management skills Has good physical strength and staminaPatient care assistants can normally begin their career after obtaining a career certificate from a community college or vocational school. Those who have already received training as a certified nurses aide do not normally have to undergo additional training. Most employers will require on-the-job training for around two to four weeks after being hired. At least a years worth of experience in a medical setting is normally needed before workers can transition into supervisory positions within a given company.Work EnvironmentA patient care assistant may work in a variety of settings including nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, Their work can involve a great deal of standing, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers often work full-time, and their schedules may consist of weekend, evening and overnight hours. Patient care assistants can frequently be exposed to communicable diseases. As a result, they must take regular precautions to ensure their own good health such as hand washing and drinking plenty of fluids.

Keyskills :
critical carerespiratory therapyintensive carehealthcare operationspulmonary rehabilitationelectronic data capturesafe patient handlingpatient monitoringclinical trials