Job Overview
Within the context of a client and family centred care and, in alignment with the mission, vision, values and strategic directions of Vancouver Hospice Society, the incumbent promotes a safe and respectful working environment for patients, clients, families, visitors and staff.
Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator and under the direction of the Registered Nurses (RNs), and in accordance with hospice/palliative care standards, the Care Aide also known as Patient Care Aide (PCA) and Health Care Assistant (HCA), provides personal care assistance and services in a safe and caring manner that recognizes and supports the needs, abilities and backgrounds of patients and their families. Performs various tasks required to assist with the care and comfort of patients, including personal grooming and hygiene, feeding, basic health care needs, etc. Assists with patient mobilization as required in a manner that is safe for the patient and self, utilizing appropriate equipment. Reports to the RN’s any information on a patient’s physical symptoms and behavioural changes. Maintains a commitment to the hospice palliative care philosophy and ongoing education and development.
Primary Role Responsibilities
- Contributes to the development and updating of care plans for patients to ensure a consistent and caring environment and a strong team approach to caring for patients and families.
- Prioritizes and carries out individual patient care plans, developed by the RN’s and the Clinical Coordinator, that focus on patients’ needs and comfort and supports the families.
- Applies critical thinking and a problem-solving approach to provide safe, responsible and ethical patient care to meet their physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs, being sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices of the patient and their loved ones.
- Supports the dignity, uniqueness and fair treatment of patients their families and others.
- Performs tasks in an ethical, responsible and accountable manner, maintaining competent practice.
- Mobilizes patients as required in a safe, slow and gentle manner using lifts, wheelchairs, and other equipment, and relying on a team approach to maintain patient safety, as well as safety of the team.
- Reports to RN’s any patient physical and behavioural changes and notes significant observations.
- Interacts with VHS staff and volunteers as well as patients and families, at times in difficult, conflictive and sensitive situations.
- Performs terminal cleaning of a patient bedroom and bathroom following death or discharge.
- Takes an active role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and families, and takes an active role in keeping the hospice in running order, including household chores, cleaning, laundry and cooking/baking as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
Evidence of graduation from a Health Care Assistant program recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (CACHWR) as meeting provincial training standards. High School diploma or equivalent is preferred. Current registration with the BC CACHWR. Up-to-date Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Current Food Safe and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificates are required. Acute Care certificate is an asset.
Recommended training: Workplace Violence Prevention and Palliative Care course
Experience
Minimum of 6 months Care Aide experience in a related health care environment. Experience with end-of-life care is preferred. Experience with infection control housekeeping standards. Food prep, cooking and housekeeping experience is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Basic understanding of principles of end-of-life care for patients and families.
- The ability to work comfortably within a hospice or palliative care environment.
- Effective interpersonal skills and good written and verbal English communication skills.
- Ability to interact with individuals at all levels and in sensitive situations.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
- Ability to provide excellent care to end-of-life stage patients.
- Demonstrated ability to be patient, kind, empathetic and compassionate.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to appropriately deal with stressful and emotional situations.
- Demonstrated ability to receive and work under direction and supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Ability to be resourceful and solution focused.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and adjust as required.
- Demonstrated ability to ask for help in providing patient care when required.
- Ability to cook nutritious meals and perform related housekeeping duties as required.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
- Physically fit and able to perform the duties of the position.
- Available to work shift work including days, evenings, nights and weekends as required.
Pay: $31.64 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Have you graduated from a Health Care Assistant program that is recognized by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (CACHWR) as meeting provincial training standards?
- Do you have current registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry (CACHWR)?
Work Location: In person
