Healthcare Assistant
Position Summary:
St. Luke's Home was founded over 150 years ago (1872). St. Luke's Home operates a residential nursing home which provides long-term residential care and day care services for older people including specialist dementia care services. It also provides short-term respite care. St. Luke’s Home is widely recognised for its excellence in care, with a particular reputation for leadership in dementia care. We aim to create a home-like environment where residents feel safe, secure, and supported. We provide a supportive, inclusive, and professional environment where residents, families, volunteers and staff thrive. Our mission is to deliver holistic care that prioritises dignity, respect, and well-being, fostering a vibrant community within the Home.
The role involves assisting in the delivery of high-quality person-centred care to our residents, ensuring their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs are met. Health Care Assistants work under the direction of a Registered Nurse, supporting the holistic care and well-being of our residents.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care:
Assist Registered Nurses in assessing, implementing, delivering, and evaluating care programs for residents.
Assist the residents in all aspects of daily life, having due regard for their dignity, privacy, respect and safety for examples washing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding and promoting mobility.
Assist in the safe administration of meals, fluids, and prescribed nutritional supplements.
Maintain care standards in compliance with HIQA regulations and the Health Act (2007). To operate in accordance with HIQA standards and the Health Act 2007 and other relevant legislation.
Perform and document safety checks to ensure the well-being of residents, staff, and property.
Accompany residents within the Home and community as directed.
Participate in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities tailored to residents' needs.
Support service development by adapting to changes in practices and duties.
Adhere to St. Luke's Home policies and procedures, demonstrating compliance in daily tasks.
Report changes in residents' conditions accurately and promptly to the Staff Nurse.
Observe strictly the Code of Confidentiality.
Maintain the privacy and dignity of the residents.
Provides a critical front line role in safeguarding residents and adhering to protocols regarding same.
Communication:
Maintain a respectful and professional relationship with residents, their families and the multidisciplinary team.
Inform the Registered Nurse of any concerns impacting resident care.
Keep the Registered Nurse updated on residents' care and welfare during each shift.
Be familiar with the policies and procedures of St. Luke’s Home, relevant to the role as a Health care assistant.
To maintain a level of professional integrity in accordance with St. Luke’s Home policies and procedures, employment contract, philosophy of care and mission statement.
Personal Development:
Participate in ongoing training and ensure all mandatory training is up to date.
Manual Handling and Patient Moving training – essential.
Knowledge of HIQA standards and healthcare regulations in Ireland – desirable.
Efficient Use of Resources:
Ensure resources are used economically and effectively, minimising wastage.
Work flexibly and rotationally in all areas of the Home as needed.
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in residents’ environments.
Follow infection prevention and control protocols at all times.
Dispose of clinical waste appropriately
Essential Criteria:
The relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) level 5 qualification*
OR
An equivalent relevant health care qualification or a comparable healthcare qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) NARIC Ireland framework
OR
Be currently employed as a Health Care Assistant or a comparable role such as an Activities Assistant
AND
Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
With regard to Criterion (1), the listing above has been identified as what is considered relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* qualifications
QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support
QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies
QQI Level 5 Community Care
QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills
QQI Level 5 Community Health Services
Requirements
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Manual handling skills.
Ability to work as part of a team under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
A compassionate, patient and empathetic approach to resident care.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and mandatory training.
Flexible and willing to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
Adherence to confidentiality, health and safety regulations, and equal opportunities policies.
