Our Nursing team is supported by several Healthcare Assistants (HCA’s). They work with patients and families to provide respite care and occasional personal care. The HCA’s are not trained Nurses, but are selected for their practical caring skills and their passion for ensuring that patients receive the very best care possible.
We asked one of our Healthcare Assistants, Sarah Brown, a few questions about her job at Shipston Home Nursing.
How long have you worked for Shipston Home Nursing
Since September 2020. However, I have worked in similar palliative care services.
What is an HCA’s role?
To provide high quality person-centred practical care and emotional support to palliative patients and their families. We also need to observe changes in symptoms, escalating all concerns immediately to the Nurse Co-ordinator on duty. Another important part of the job is ensuring mandatory training is up to date.
What qualities do you need to be a good HCA?
Caring, compassion, kindness, resilience, patience. And a good carer needs to be conscientious and proficient with record keeping. Also, he/she should be able to work alone, but be happy to work as a team when necessary.
What qualities do you bring to the role?
All the above of course, along with a passion for ensuring patients receive the best care possible. It is an absolute privilege to work for Shipston Home Nursing.
What’s your average day like?
There is no average day! However, my duties consist of face-to-face visits with palliative patients in their own home, providing support to the Nurse Co-ordinator on duty and some administrative tasks, such as updating the patient database.
What kind of support do patients need nearing the end of their lives?
Firstly, emotional support – to be listened to and heard. And importantly, practical support; it’s important to identify any changes in symptoms which may require more input or other equipment or aids.
How do you maintain a client’s dignity and respect?
With clear communication and by actively listening to patients. Also, being aware of and working in accordance with their needs and wishes. Moreover, we treat each patient as an individual and providing personalised quality of care as appropriate.
Have you ever handled an emergency situation which required quick-thinking?
Quick thinking is always required in this role. We need to responding to families and patients’ concerns in what can be an ever-changing situation and quickly identify and escalate changes in symptoms to the Nurse Co-ordinator.