PATIENT CARE ASSISTANTS (PCA)/
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT (HCA)

This 3-month (1 month theory and 2 months hands-on training) programme prepares the Patient Care Assistant (PCA) / healthcare Assistant (HCA) personnel to work in hospital settings, nursing/aged care home, to assist in meeting the basic healthcare needs of the clients including caring for them. The acquired skill sets will also help to improve their employability within the healthcare facilities.

Job Description Overview

PCA/HCA work under the supervision of trained nurses and may be responsible in providing about 80% – 90% of personalised care required by the patient or resident.

Duties

•   Providing basic care to patients in hospitals or other healthcare and community facilities.
•   Helping to feed, bathe and dress the patients under their care.
•   Assisting with moving and transporting patients.
•   Answering patients’ calls for assistance.
•   Helping to clean a patient’s room and making the patient comfortable.
•   Monitoring and tracking the nutritional intake and output of a patient.
•   Recognizing changes in patient’s general condition.
•   Reporting promptly any changes in patient’s general condition to their supervisors.
•   Assisting the trained nurses in simple unsterile procedures.
•   Performing basic first aid, if needed.
•   Alerting the trained nurses in emergencies.
•   Organise programmes for social interactions.

Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded with a Certificate of Attendance in Patient Care Assistant.

Employment Opportunities

•   Daycare centers
•   Long term residential or nursing homes
•   Retirement villages
•   Private homes