JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Health Care Assistant
Department: Oncology Level 6
Reports to: Nurse Manager
Date 2025

QUALIFICATIONS

• Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
• Completion of an approved QQI FETAC in Health Care Support (all 8 modules) course or an equivalent nursing qualification required. preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Previous Health Care experience preferred.

COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrate evidence of recent and relevant experience in an acute hospital setting.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB

We will provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do.
The Health Care Assistant’s role is to provide technical assistance and supportive patient care to meet the needs of individual patients throughout assigned areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES

• Assists with patient activities and care as assigned by the Clinical Nurse Manager or Clinical Co-Coordinator.
• Provides for patients’ personal hygiene: Bathes patients, performs oral care, provides skin care for patients with TED hose, SCD, casts, skeletal pins, assists with elimination, cares for the incontinent patient, cares for the patient with a urinary catheter, assists with cleansing enemas, sitz baths, non-sterile douches and provides ostomy care.
• Assists with feeding.
• Ambulates, positions and turns patients, and cares for the patient with altered mobility.
• Assists with patient safety related to age and condition: Assists with patient specific safety precautions, collects, reports and documents data related to patient needs, emergencies, usual patient and family behaviour and cares for the patient from a correctional environment.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality of information and records at all times.
• Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment, performs and assists others to perform proper aseptic technique, isolation procedures and infection control measures.
• Maintains patient care areas with appropriate supplies.
• Performs or assists others to perform proper aseptic techniques, isolation procedures and infection control measures.
• Adheres to internal controls established for the department.
• Performs related duties as required.
• The timely identification and communication of any issues and complaints to the Clinical Nurse Manager or Clinical Co-Coordinator.
• Demonstrate a confidence and competence in all hospital policies and guidelines.
• Complete daily and weekly cleaning schedule to include daily bed side checks.
• Handover at the start of each shift with the Clinical Nurse Manager or Clinical Coordinator.
• Be aware of and adhere to Beacon Falls Policy.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will ensure:

• The patient’s needs are individually assessed.
• The patient’s families, significant others are involved as appropriate.
• Patients are cared for in the optimum clinical environment, adhering to all hospital wide policies and guidelines.
• Full participation in and supervision of patient’s meal and special dietary requirements.
• Visiting time policies are adhered to.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder is expected to:

• Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions.
• Ensure their professional and personal persona positively reflect Beacon Hospital.
• Attend appropriate study days and courses.
• Participate in their performance review with their Clinical Nurse Manager.
• Utilise effective time management skills.
• Maintain professional appearance and dress code.
• Comply with guidelines for absence or tardiness.
• Attend staff meetings, reads all work related email and other postings.
• All employees are expected to remain flexible to meet the needs of the hospital, which may include floating to other departments to assist as the patient needs fluctuate.
• Wear Identification Badge when working.