Interview for Health care assistant

[em222]

Hi everyone,

I have an interview for a health care assistant and wondering if anyone can tell me a little about what it's like to do the job and exactly what is involved. Just want to get a better idea of what is expected of me and what type of questions they might ask.

Thanks for reading :-)

[SleepyCatOnTheMat]

I'm a HCA. At my interview I was asked how I felt about handling wee, poo etc. (obviously a big part of the job - the answer they are looking for is 'That's not at all a problem for me').

They might ask you how you feel about doing shifts if the job involves shiftwork.

I think I also got asked about teamwork e.g. what makes a team work well together.

A big thing in the NHS is working within your limitations i.e. not doing things you've not been trained to do, so they will probably ask you a question to figure out if that's what you'll do (if you have any doubts about whether or not you should be doing something you go to the nurse in charge).

Try and mention in your answers that you'll stick to infection control and manual handling policies, and promote patient dignity - that's another massive thing (basically empathise with the patient. Do they want the whole ward to see them being hoisted onto the commode? No, pull the curtain. Etc.).

And I got asked how I'd deal with a patient dying. Obviously you'll have patients that die and you may be asked to help lay them out when they do (I've been a HCA for two and a half years and haven't yet had to do this, but I only work part-time). I said I was confident I could handle it but if I found myself struggling I'd get in touch with either the hospital chaplain or the staff counselling service (find out if your trust has such a service).

You will almost certainly be asked about confidentiality too. For an idea of what to talk about, google the Caldicott Principles - these are what all NHS confidentiality policies are based on. The only time you'd break confidentiality is if the patient indicates they are harming themselves or other people.

Hope that helps, do come back and tell us whether or not you are successful.

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

I have interviewed people for HCA roles (NHS)

We asked about what did they see the role involving - eg to check they had realistic expectations. Often have a scenario - eg what would you do if Nurse X asked you to do take Fred to X-ray, but Nurse Y just asked you to take Bob to a scan. Which would you do first.

The answer is usually ask the nurse which needs to be done first.

Confidentiality is always a big one. Eg - Someone phones up the ward and asks about Fred Bloggs, he says he is his son. Wants to know if the tests came back yet and was it an infection. What do you do.
You can bring Fred to the phone to speak to the caller, if he is well enough. Or you can give 'we will be happy to discuss any tests with you and Fred when you come in to visit' etc but you don't give out confidential info.

They are looking for someone who seems friendly, willing to pitch in, common sense, and always checks with the nurse if there is any doubt what to do.

Often a question about health and safety too - eg if the thing is broken - make sure no one else can use it, report it for repair. Or something where the answer is handwashing eg what can you do to help for health and safety.

[Marieinsalaco]

Help I have an interview for a nursery nurse ona maternity ward!
I am really woried about the questions they might ask!
Can you help!!!

[CareersDragon]

The NHS has a wonderful careers website where you can find out everything you need to know about entry, requirements, training, as well as what different jobs involve.

For healthcare assistant, see: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/wider-healthcare-team/careers-in-the-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/healthcare-assistant/

For nursery nursing, see: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/wider-healthcare-team/careers-in-the-wider-healthcare-team/corporate-services/nursery-nursenursery-assistant/

[VivaLeBeaver]

They might ask you if you've read anything on the Mid Staffs hospital enquiry.....just stuff that's been in the papers is enough.

They might ask you for examples of when you've made a difference, given good customer service, etc.

[Marieinsalaco]

Thank you for all you help, hopfully i get the job!!!

[Gracey19]

Hi i was interview coming up for healthcare assistant and just want a bit of advice on what to expect and some questions i may be asked.

EM22 i no this is quite old post but how did ur interview go and did you get the position?!

[11lollar]

This is a blessing for me.. thanks

[Kerie29]

I have an interview coming up also for a HCA, difference being its with NHS professionals, it's interview and assessment day. Has anybody got any experiance of similar situation. Any advice would be great. Also bit concerned about the maths assessments, what percentage do you have to get right to pass? Thanks

[Jacksmum2003]

Hi everyone.
I have been invited for an interview as a Senior care assistant on Cardiology ward (NHS) it says in the email that they will give me scenario questions and a maths test. Does anyone have any advice for me please? I've never worked for the NHS before but I've 21 years experience in care.

Thanks