Health Care Assistant Emergency Department

The role of the HCA is to support the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction of qualified nursing personnel (Shannon et al., 2001).

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant to join our busy Emergency Department at Beaumont Hospital. As one of the country's largest and busiest EDs, we offer a fast-paced, varied and rewarding environment where no two days are the same.

We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator and a strong team player, and who can stay calm under pressure. You will work closely with nurses, doctors, and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, compassionate care to patients and their families at what is often a very stressful time.

If you are motivated, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference to patient care, we would love to hear from you. 

There is a clear relationship between the Health Care Assistant and the Clinical Nurse Manager or their deputy. The Healthcare Assistant also reports to the Assistant Director of Nursing.

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

1

Possess a relevant* Health Skills qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications

Ireland (QQI) formerly FETAC on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) of not

less than QQI Level 5.

2

Possess a relevant Healthcare qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

3

Be currently undertaking a relevant Health Skills QQI Level 5 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a commitment to complete the appropriate health skills QQI Level 5 qualification within 2 years of taking up post.

4

Be currently employed as a Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, Attendant, Multi-Task

Attendant or in a comparable role for at least 2 years and give an undertaking to acquire

an appropriate Health Skills qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 programme on the

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) within 2 years of taking up post.

AND

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of

suitability, for the proper discharge of the role

Health Care Assistants are accountable for their actions in the delivery of patient care and must not undertake any duty related to patient care for which he/.she is not trained, in accordance with the educational qualifications outlined above.

The Health Care Assistant must report to and work under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse in relation to their duties/tasks and is expected to work as part of the ward/area/resident’s care team.

Nursing staff will delegate duties in accordance with their professional judgement and within the competence of the Health Care Assistant.

Nursing staff must not allocate any duty to the Health Care Assistant for which he/she has not been trained.

Patient/Residents may require assistance in some or all activities of daily living. It is the duty of the nurse to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care required by the patient/resident. The primary role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist the nurse in the implementation of the care, as determined by the Registered Nurse.

Duties assigned to the Health Care Assistant will vary depending on the care setting and will include the following functions. This is not an exhaustive list:

• To carry out assigned and delegated tasks involving direct care and all activities of daily living under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (eg to assist patients/residents maintain standards of personal hygiene, laundry, dietary intake, physical and mental health).• Assisting the Registered Nurse in the provision of quality nursing service by promoting and adopting a philosophy of care within the service area.• Assisting the Registered Nurse in duties associated with the delivery of care and management of the unit environment and other support duties as appropriate.• To report any incident or potential incident that may compromise the health and safety of residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action. • Engage the residents in a personal and individual way and encourage socialisation and participation in meaningful activities.• Health Care Assistants should conduct themselves in a manner that conveys respect of the individual and ensures safe resident care. The personal characteristics that indicate principles should include:o Confidentialityo Courtesyo Accountabilityo Communicationo Dignity and privacyo Health and safety

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

With regard to Criterion (i), the listing below is considered relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* qualifications

QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support

QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies

QQI Level 5 Community Care

QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills

QQI Level 5 Community Health Services

*(A full QQI/FETAC 5 Major award requires a minimum of 120 credits/8 Modules - Please note a

Component Certificate will not suffice.)

With regard to Criterion (ii), a relevant Healthcare qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 on the

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is considered to be a qualification with applied patient

care modules / placements typically but not limited to qualifications in: Social Care Work, Nursing,

Therapy Professions etc.