Job Title: Patient Care Assistant
Location: Bon Accord, AB
Shift: Morning, Night, Overnight
Wage: $20.00 to $30.00 hourly (Negotiable) / 30 to 50 hours per week
Languages: English
Education: High school graduation certificate
Experience: 1 to less than 2 years
Work Environment:Home Care or visiting care agency
Rural area: Various locations
Responsibilities
- Provide empty bedpans.
- Serve meal trays and assist patients in feeding themselves. Weigh, lift, turn, and position patients.
- Make beds and maintain patients’ rooms.
- Manage inventory of supplies.
- Bathe, dress, and groom patients.
- Assist with the setup and maintenance of traction equipment, cleaning or sterilizing equipment, maintaining and repairing equipment, and assembling, setting up, and operating job-related equipment.
- Transport patients in a wheelchair or stretcher
- Accompany patients in engaging recreational activities outdoors and provide various patient care and comfort duties.
Credentials
Certificates;
- First Aid Certificate
- CPR Certificate
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Patient Care Assistant Certificate
licenses, memberships, and courses
Additional information
The individual needs to be;
- Personal suitability
- Client focus
- Dependability
- Efficient interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral communication
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Interpersonal awareness
- Judgment
- Organized
- Reliability
- Team player
Who can apply for this job?
The employer accepts applications from:
- Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
- Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.
How to apply
Online: Apply On the Company Website
What education and certifications are necessary to become a Caregiver?
The educational and certification requirements to become a caregiver can vary depending on the specific role, the state or country where you plan to work, and the type of care you intend to provide.
Formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent is often optional. However, obtaining specific certifications and training can enhance your skills and employability as a caregiver.
Education
A High School Diploma or Equivalent
A high school diploma or GED is usually the minimum requirement to be educated to become caregiver.
Vocational Training or Certificate Programs
While not always mandatory, completing a vocational training program or obtaining a certificate in a relevant field, such as a home health aide or personal care assistant, can provide essential caregiving knowledge and skills.
Certification
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Many caregivers work as CNAs or PSWs, making obtaining certification an asset to their job. These certifications involve completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam.
CNAs and PSWs typically perform direct care duties such as personal assistance and aiding with activities of daily living.
Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification
If you plan to provide care in a home setting, obtaining a Home Health Aide certification might be required or preferred by employers.
First Aid and CPR Certification
Employers generally prefer caregivers with current First Aid and CPR certification, since such skills can come in handy during emergencies.
Dementia Care Certification
If you plan to work with those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, specialized training and certification in dementia care could prove useful.
Medication Administration Certification
Caregivers may be responsible for dispensing medications to those under their care, so obtaining a certification to do this could be essential.
It’s important to note that the specific certification requirements can vary based on the state or country where you plan to work. Different regions might have other names for similar roles or changing certification requirements.
While formal education and certifications can enhance your qualifications, hands-on experience and a caring attitude are also highly valued in caregiving.
Employers typically provide on-the-job training for new caregivers so they can learn specific care procedures and protocols.
If you are interested in becoming a caregiver, investigate the requirements in your area before enrolling in an established training program or seeking certification to enhance your skills and enhance job prospects in this rewarding yet essential care-giving role.
What’s it like working as a caregiver?
Caregivers’ work environments vary based on their specific roles and the settings in which they provide care. Caregivers work with individuals who need assistance and support due to age, illness, disability, or other health conditions.
Here are some everyday work environments for caregivers:
Home Care Settings
Many caregivers provide care in the homes of the individuals they support. It could involve caring for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from illness or surgery.
Assisted Living Facilities
Caregivers may work in assisted living facilities, which provide housing and support services for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities but want to maintain independence.
Nursing Homes
Caregivers in nursing homes provide assistance to elderly individuals requiring more assistance with daily living activities or may have medical needs that necessitate nursing care.
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes (also referred to as group homes or care homes) provide housing and support for a small group of residents, such as individuals with disabilities or those needing specialized care. Caregivers often work alongside these settings in providing services.
Hospice Care
Caregivers who work in hospice care offer comfort and support to individuals living with terminal illness as they approach end of life stages, along with their loved ones.
Hospital Environments
Some caregivers specialize in hospital settings, providing assistance with daily tasks during patients’ stays in the facility.
Work Environment Characteristics
Personal Care Assistance
Caregivers often assist with personal care tasks, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding.
Companionship
Caregivers provide emotional support and companionship to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Medical Support
Depending on the setting and the individual’s needs, caregivers may provide medication reminders, essential medical monitoring, and assistance with medical equipment.
Flexible Schedule
Caregivers can work on a flexible schedule to meet the needs of those they support, such as evenings, weekends and holidays.
Emotional Demands
Caring for individuals with health challenges can be emotionally demanding, and caregivers must cope with stress and maintain a positive attitude.
The work environment for a caregiver is enriching, as they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals they support. It requires compassion, patience, and the ability to provide person-centered care while promoting dignity and independence.