Being a healthcare assistant is a vital role that makes a vast amount of difference to people who may be in one of the most vulnerable states of their lives. It can also pave the way to other positions in healthcare. If you are interested in this rewarding career, find out what is needed to become a good healthcare assistant.
Qualifications
There are no fixed expectations for qualifications to become a healthcare assistant, although many employers will expect you to have GCSEs in English and maths. However, healthcare qualifications such as a BTEC or an NVQ will look impressive on a CV and may be asked for by some employers. To increase your chances of securing a position, try to get some healthcare experience either in a voluntary or paid role.
To find out more about qualifications, check advertisements for healthcare assistant jobs or contact an employer such as https://www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-job-opportunities/ to see what qualifications they expect.
Skills
There are a number of soft skills that you will need to hone to be a good healthcare assistant. You will need good communication skills so as to be able to convey information to patients, their families and other healthcare professionals.
You will also need good organisational skills, including time management, as well as being a good observer so as to spot changes when you are monitoring a patient’s condition, such as when checking their temperature, heart rate and respiration.
Healthcare assistants must be caring and kind with a cheerful, friendly demeanor to set patients as much as ease as possible. This must be maintained throughout your work, which may include tasks such as bathing and toileting.
As a healthcare assistant, you must be able to work independently, using your own initiative, but also recognise that you are part of a team, and there will often be precise instructions that you need to follow. Other healthcare professionals you may be working with include other healthcare assistants, doctors, nurses and midwives. Being a good team player is essential to achieve the best outcomes for the patients.
