Job Title: Patient Care Assistant
Location: 76 Stuart St, Kingston, ON
Shift: Morning, Night, Overnight
Wage: $22.60/Hour
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of patients? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where patient-centered care is the top priority? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you as an Inpatient Hospital-based Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
At KHSC, we are committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services to our community. We believe that patient-centered care is at the heart of everything we do, and our PCAs play a vital role in ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care and support.
As a PCA at KHSC, you will be an integral part of the healthcare team, providing compassionate and personalized care to our inpatients. Your dedication and commitment will contribute to the overall well-being and comfort of our patients during their hospital stay.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct patient care, including assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Support patients with mobility and transferring, ensuring their safety and comfort.
- Monitor patients’ vital signs and report any changes to the nursing team.
- Assist with feeding and ensure patients’ nutritional needs are met.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Foster a supportive and empathetic environment for patients and their families, addressing their concerns and providing emotional support.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient care activities.
Why Choose Kingston Health Sciences Centre
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize our patients’ well-being, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of our care delivery.
- Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who work together to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
- Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Qualifications:
Completion of a recognized Personal Support Worker program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
If you are driven by a passion for patient-centered care and are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, we invite you to apply for the Inpatient Hospital-based PCA position at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Join us in delivering exceptional care to our community and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.
We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices.
If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.
KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.
What skills and qualities are important for a Care Aide?
Care Aides play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to individuals who require care, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with chronic illnesses. To excel in this role, Care Aides should possess a combination of skills and qualities that enable them to provide compassionate and effective care. Here are some important skills and qualities for a Care Aide:
- Empathy and Compassion: Care Aides must genuinely care about the well-being of others and show empathy towards their clients. Compassion allows them to understand and connect with the emotions and needs of the individuals they care for.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for understanding client needs, conveying information to healthcare professionals, and collaborating with the client’s family members. Care Aides should be able to listen actively, express themselves clearly, and adapt their communication style to the individual’s preferences and abilities.
- Patience: Many individuals receiving care may have limitations or difficulties in performing tasks, communicating, or expressing themselves. Patience is crucial for allowing them to complete tasks at their own pace and providing support without rushing or becoming frustrated.
- Adaptability: Care Aides often work in dynamic and unpredictable environments. They should be flexible and adaptable to handle changing circumstances, varying client needs, and unexpected situations with ease.
- Physical Stamina: The role of a Care Aide can involve physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and transferring clients, assisting with personal care, or performing household chores. Good physical stamina and fitness are important to perform these tasks safely and efficiently
It’s important to note that the specific skills and qualities required for a Care Aide may vary depending on the care setting, such as home care, assisted living facilities, or hospitals.
What education and certification are required to become a Care Aide?
The education and certification requirements to become a Care Aide can vary depending on the country, state or province, and the specific healthcare setting. Here’s a general overview of the typical requirements:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most employers require Care Aides to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. A solid educational foundation is important for understanding and following instructions, as well as communicating effectively.
- Training Programs: Completing a formal training program is often necessary to become a certified Care Aide. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare institutions. The duration and content of the program can vary, but they generally cover topics such as personal care assistance, medical terminology, infection control, and basic healthcare procedures.
- Clinical Experience: Many training programs for Care Aides include a practical component where students gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. This allows them to apply their knowledge and develop the necessary skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Certification: Depending on the jurisdiction, Care Aides may be required to obtain certification or licensure to practice. Certification requirements can include passing a competency exam and meeting specific training and education criteria. The certification process ensures that Care Aides meet the minimum standards of competence and professionalism.
- Continuing Education: To stay current with best practices and advancements in healthcare, Care Aides may be required or encouraged to participate in continuing education programs. These programs provide opportunities to expand knowledge, enhance skills, and maintain certification or licensure.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements can vary significantly between regions and healthcare settings. Some regions may have additional requirements, such as background checks or immunization records, to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
To obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the requirements in a specific area, it is advisable to check with the local regulatory bodies or the institutions providing the training programs for Care Aides. They can provide detailed information about the educational pathways and certification processes available in that particular jurisdiction.
Who can apply to 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
What is the work environment like for Care Aide?
The work environment for Care Aides can vary depending on the setting in which they are employed. Here are some common work environments for Care Aides:
- Home Care: Care Aides may provide assistance and support to individuals in their own homes. This work environment offers a more personalized and familiar setting for the clients. Care Aides may travel to different homes throughout the day, providing care and helping with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and light housekeeping.
- Assisted Living Facilities: Some Care Aides work in assisted living facilities or residential care homes. These facilities provide housing and care services to individuals who require assistance but do not need the level of care provided in a nursing home. Care Aides in these settings may assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), provide companionship, monitor medication schedules, and assist with recreational activities.
- Nursing Homes or Long-Term Care Facilities: Care Aides are often employed in nursing homes or long-term care facilities that cater to individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or seniors requiring specialized care. In these environments, Care Aides may provide assistance with personal care, help with mobility and transfers, support in activities and exercises, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of residents.
- Hospitals: Some Care Aides work in hospitals, particularly in units like long-term care or rehabilitation. In these settings, Care Aides may work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide care to patients who require ongoing support, rehabilitation, or extended hospital stays. They may assist with ADLs, perform vital sign measurements, support patients during therapy sessions, and provide general comfort and assistance.
- Day Programs or Community Centers: Care Aides may also work in day programs or community centers that provide support and engagement for individuals with disabilities or older adults. In these settings, Care Aides may assist with personal care, engage clients in social activities, facilitate therapeutic programs, and provide emotional support and companionship.
The work environment for Care Aides can be physically and emotionally demanding. They often spend a significant amount of time on their feet, may need to lift or transfer clients, and may encounter challenging situations. Additionally, they may work different shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure round-the-clock care.
It’s important to note that the work environment can differ depending on the specific policies, resources, and culture of the healthcare organization or agency employing the Care Aides.