What does a Health Care Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A health care assistant provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Duties may include taking vital signs, assisting with patient meals, and providing for personal hygiene. Health care assistants also transport patients and maintain equipment and supplies.
Health Care Assistant job duties include:
- Providing personal care to patients
- Assisting with activities of daily living
- Transferring patients to and from beds, chairs, wheelchairs, etc.
- Providing for the comfort of patients
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Serving meals and assisting with feeding, as needed
- Helping with elimination needs
- Performing light housekeeping duties
- Providing emotional support to patients and families
Health Care Assistant Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for health care assistants, although most have at least a high school diploma. Many health care assistants have completed a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Some states require CNAs to be licensed. Health care assistants typically have several months of on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer candidates with previous experience in a health care setting.
Health Care Assistant Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility
- Adaptability
- Physical fitness
- Strength
- Endurance
- Stamina
- Agility
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How to become a Health Care Assistant
A Health Care Assistant (HCA) is a person who provides basic care and support to patients in a health care setting. HCAs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They may also be known as patient care assistants, certified nursing assistants, or medical assistants.
The duties of an HCA can vary depending on the specific health care setting in which they work. In general, however, HCAs are responsible for providing basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and eating; taking vital signs; and assisting with medical procedures. HCAs may also provide administrative support to health care providers, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.
To become an HCA, you will need to complete a training program that is approved by your state’s Board of Nursing. Training programs typically last between six and twelve weeks, and they include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing a training program, you will need to pass a competency exam before you can be certified to work as an HCA.
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