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Why Being a Healthcare Assistant Is One Of The Most Rewarding Jobs You Can Do
11 Sept, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant.
- How to stay updated with new healthcare practices.
- Advice for aspiring Healthcare Assistants.
- Where the latest Healthcare Assistant jobs are and how to apply for them.
Considering the career path of a Healthcare Assistant but curious to know what it’s really like behind closed doors?
We had the opportunity to talk to a devoted Healthcare Assistant to gain insights into what their role entails.
Healthcare Assistants are the backbone of patient care and provide vital support to their patients, making this career path extremely rewarding. They assist with daily tasks such as feeding and bathing which improves the comfort of patients and allows other medical professionals to focus on the more crucial aspects of patient care.
Throughout this interview, this Healthcare Assistant dives into their primary responsibilities and clears any common misconceptions about the role of a Healthcare Assistant.
What inspired you to become a Healthcare Assistant?
Initially, I was just looking for a part-time job to earn some extra money whilst I was at university, but this quickly evolved into something much more meaningful and I have developed strong friendships with both my colleagues and service users.
At first, becoming a Healthcare Assistant wasn’t something I had planned. However, my inspiration to enter the healthcare field actually came from my mum. As the primary caregiver for my special needs brother, she not only managed our home but also built a career around her experiences.
Her dedication inspired me to use my own life experiences to help others and I decided to take the plunge and become a Healthcare Assistant.
This role allowed me to work in both community and hospital settings, where I gained valuable experience. It has been a rewarding journey and I am grateful for the chance to make a difference in people’s lives, much like my mum did.
Can you tell me about your background and how you became a Healthcare Assistant?
I graduated with a BA in Sociology from Leeds Trinity University. During my studies, I worked part-time to support myself and earn money on the side.
Initially, I took a job as a Sales Assistant to build my confidence and develop my communication skills. However, I soon found myself drawn to a healthcare role that was more aligned with my personal experiences.
Growing up, I was surrounded by Support Workers and Social Workers who assisted my special needs brother. Seeing their dedication and the positive impact they had on our lives inspired me to pursue a similar role.
After doing some research into various care positions, I reached out to a manager at a support worker company, which led to my first role as a Support Worker.
I began working in community settings, providing direct support to service users, which was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This experience also opened the door to hospital shifts, where I was able to work alongside nurses and gain clinical skills.
What are your primary responsibilities in your role as a Healthcare Assistant?
As a Healthcare Assistant, my primary responsibilities include a range of tasks to support the daily needs of service users. These tasks involve assisting with personal care activities such as washing, dressing and feeding.
I’m also involved in food preparation, managing household chores like shopping and providing companionship to service users. In addition to these, I support clinical duties such as tube feeding and operating suction machines.
Working with community Nurses and hospital staff, I learnt to operate various medical equipment and was trained in documenting patient information, including temperature, weight and other vital measurements.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced at first was quickly adapting to the diverse needs of service users. For instance, when I first encountered a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feed machine, I was unfamiliar with how to use it.
During a shift where I needed to use the PEG feed machine, I was fortunate to be on shift with a skilled colleague who, after I asked for help, took the time to teach me the entire process.
Admitting that I needed help was the crucial step in overcoming this challenge. I learned that asking questions and seeking support from more experienced team members allowed me to quickly acquire new skills.
This approach not only helped me deal with specific tasks but also contributed to my overall growth and development in the role.
How do you stay updated with new healthcare practices and changes in the industry?
Staying updated with evolving care plans and new healthcare practices was definitely a challenge at first, however I actively asked for advice from my colleagues, especially during my shifts regarding new practices.
Additionally, our organisation provides both online and in-person training, which are important for learning about new practices. With the combinations of these, I’m able to stay on top of changes and continually enhance my skills.
What is a lesson you’ve learned during your career that stayed with you throughout?
One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned came from working with a young service user and his mother. Initially, the mother had a deep scepticism towards healthcare professionals, stemming from personal experiences.
At first, I did not understand her hesitation, as I believed that my professional knowledge should naturally encourage her to trust me. However, as I spent more time with her and her son, I came to understand the importance of building trust gradually.
Over the course of nearly a year, we worked together to implement changes and ways in which we could address her son’s needs effectively.
This process involved making significant improvements in their equipment and housing situation, all while earning her trust. This taught me that in healthcare, building trust is crucial for a successful partnership.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a Healthcare Assistant?
If you’re considering a career as a Healthcare Assistant, my best advice is to approach the role with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The role has taught me numerous transferable skills, such as effective communication, quick thinking and active listening.
It has also helped me overcome irrational fears about hospitals and personal care, as I encountered a wide range of situations and have basically seen it all!
Ultimately, the experiences you gain as a Healthcare Assistant equips you with the confidence needed to manage the unexpected. It’s definitely a rewarding career that can significantly boost your personal and professional growth.
Are there any common misconceptions about the role of a Healthcare Assistant that you would like to clear up?
A common misconception is that being a Healthcare Assistant only involves taking care of the elderly and dealing with personal care tasks. While these are certainly part of the role, the role is incredibly diverse, assisting with a wide range of tasks.
For example, I've had the opportunity to work with younger service users in paediatric wards, which highlights that Healthcare Assistants are not limited to working with the elderly.
My daily responsibilities include not just personal care, but also general home care tasks, accompanying service users on outings and providing companionship.
This variety proves that the role of a Healthcare Assistant is much broader than many people realise.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences that we haven't covered?
My role as a Healthcare Assistant is incredibly rewarding, both in terms of career advancement and personal growth. It has opened many doors for me, allowing me to gain valuable skills and experiences.
I’ve learnt a lot not just from training, but also from my colleagues and the service users I supported. One of the most significant changes was in my confidence. I started off quite shy, but the role has helped me come out of my shell and interact more openly with others.
While the role has its challenges, these moments were important for my personal growth. I became a better listener, learning not just to hear people but to truly understand them.
The effort I put into my work such as implementing home equipment and connecting them with organisations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, brought me immense satisfaction.
I take great pride in knowing that my actions make a significant impact on the lives of those I assist, bringing positive changes and happiness for them.
Healthcare Assistant jobs
If you’re searching for your next Healthcare Assistant job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Healthcare Assistant recruitment services
As healthcare recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a Healthcare Assistant vacancy, why not get in touch with our healthcare specialist, Kaylah Henderson on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the healthcare sector.
If you work in the healthcare sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
