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Will this be a job where I can get going straight away, learning on the job rather than having to complete formal training?

Although you will be expected to learn on the job and pick up things quickly, you will also receive a 2 week training period before you start work. As time goes on you will also be required to undertake on the job assessment and additional training towards an NVQ 2 in health and social care.

 

 

 

Do I need any special qualifications in order to be a healthcare assistant?

You do not need any special qualifications, but you will need to show that your english and mathematics are sufficient to understand and communicate written and verbal instructions, and to record and understand relevant numerical information. You will be invited to a literacy and numeracy screening session and must achieve the equivalent of a NVQ Level 1, or GCSE Grade D-G before progressing to interview.

 

 

 

Will I be able to choose my hours of work to suit myself or my family?

Our patients are with us 24 hours per day. Generally healthcare assistants work a variety of shift patterns, including weekends, early morning starts, nights or bank holidays. This does depend on the area where you will be working and in some cases we can offer part-time or day time shifts.

 

 

 

I have been asked to carry out a number of tasks such as emptying bins and wiping down bedside cabinets. As I am doing this I notice a patient has soiled themselves – their bedding is dirty and the smell is unpleasant. What should I do?

Your main priority should always be patient care. Maintaining patient comfort and dignity is very important. Healthcare assistants provide intimate care to patients and most deal with bodily fluids every single day. This can seem daunting at first, but is a crucial part of the job.

 

 

 

I am working on a ward when there is a ‘crash call’, which means a patients’ heart or breathing has stopped and their condition has become urgently life-threatening. Will I be expected to help?

 

You are not immediately responsible for their care in such situations, but you will be expected to support the medical personnel who are – for example, by bringing them the equipment they require. You will need to keep a clear head and respond appropriately even though this is a very pressured situation.

 

 

 

What do I do if a patient I am caring for is rude, grumpy and uncooperative?

Not many people actually want to be ill and in hospital.  This means trying to understand why a patient might be behaving in a certain way and helping and supporting them in every way we can. Part of your training as an healthcare assistant will be to help you deal with difficult situations like this.

 

 

 

Will I need to understand and follow lots of policies and procedures?

Our policies and procedures are in place to help both you and the patient. For example, infection control is crucial – this means that you need to sanitize your hands after contact with every patient and when you move between different places. Your initial and ongoing training is there to help you understand and follow our policies and procedures.

 

 

 

I am working in a clinic and my job is to register patients for their appointments and show them through to see the consultant doctor. Would I have to deal with patients who are agitated and cross because they are kept waiting?

Although we try very hard to ensure that our patients do not have to wait for a long time, sometimes patients can become distressed or agitated because they feel that they are being ignored or have been forgotten. Part of your role is to reassure them that they will be looked after as soon as possible.

 

 

 

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