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Anyone a HCA?

19 replies

lousia564 · 30/08/2023 15:07

I'm starting next week a HCA apprenticeship, any tips from fellow HCA's? Thank you

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lousia564 · 30/08/2023 19:08

Bump!

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lookingforMolly · 30/08/2023 19:32

I'm an HCA in a surgical ward in a hospital, where will you be working?

lousia564 · 30/08/2023 22:54

@lookingforMolly I'm on a general medicine ward

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lousia564 · 31/08/2023 10:28

Anyone?

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Hairyfairy01 · 31/08/2023 10:34

Smile! People may not realise you are new, they may presume you are bank. So explain you are new and are happy to help in anyway but might need to be shown how to do things.
Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, try and get shadowing experience with an experienced HCA.

Wear decent footwear!

lousia564 · 31/08/2023 11:21

Thank you @Hairyfairy01

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lookingforMolly · 02/09/2023 19:53

Hi sorry didn't get back to you, was ill.

lousia564 you will meet other staff members who may seem quite hardened their patients' suffering. I decided early on that if I found myself ever becoming that way I would leave the job. I resolved to try to treat each patient with consideration & compassion as i would want a close relative to be treated.

After 20 years of working with surgical & medical patients that resolve has never changed. I also try to treat my colleagues with respect and to be friendly and helpful towards even the agency staff and students.
Never look down on another staff member or be tempted to join In gossip, and don't let anyone look down on you.

Most importantly if you have any concerns (eg about a patient's clinical condition) do learn how to appropriately escalate them; and document everything you do or you officially didn't do it.

lookingforMolly · 02/09/2023 20:07

Also look after yourself - take your breaks if possible, wear comfortable shoes/ trainers with some arch support, eat & drink on your breaks, keep water in the office/ kitchen to drink regularly so you don't get dehydrated & go to the loo when you need to go!

If you see or are involved in anything that really upsets you make sure you get to debrief with a senior staff member or occupational health. I never got to do this after traumatic incidents in the early years & its really affected me.

It's really important to follow the manual handling guidelines and don't be tempted to lift patients under any circumstances as your Trust won't protect you if the patient comes to harm. Use all the aids provided such as slide sheets. If you are off sick with a bad back it's you who will get in trouble when you get a bad sickness score.
The reason I'm stressing the importance of manual handling is that you will come under pressure from some staff and some patients to take shortcuts and break the manual handling rules but remember you have a long working life ahead of you, you want it to be pain free hopefully!

Littlemissmagnet · 02/09/2023 20:43

Wow, that may be the best advice I have heard from a healthcare professional. :) 😀 My 2 cents are
Listen and absorb what is being said. Ask follow-up questions if unsure. If When staff say they are too busy, ask your tutor or say ok when you have 5 mins. I would really like your input on this.
If you don't know, ask! Never assume. To assume makes an ass out of u and me. Never judge a patient. You do not know their life just like they don't know yours.
But my absolute 💯 is

  1. Look after your back and yourself. As said above. Self care. Very important.
  2. If the patient is not the most important person in the room (other than you and your wellbeing.) Get out of the room and find a new career.

Basically, it's the old addage of treat your patient as you would like to be treated yourself or your parent/child.

These are the 2 rules I set myself. Congratulations on your new career, and I hope you find stimulating and rewarding.
Working with people, you will see the world through different eyes. It is sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, and always a privilege. Please do keep shining ✨️ bright. Never let anyone bring you down. Good luck, x🍀

Cathyt90 · 02/09/2023 20:58

A nurse once said to me 'clear your decks' when you start a shift. Check the ward for dirty cups etc, equipment that needs to go back, beds not made, linen that needs to go away. Get all these jobs done at the start so patient care can be your priority throughout the shift.

Introduce yourself to your patients, and ask what they would like to be called.

And yes to correct manual handling, always documenting everything and staying hydrated!

Fullofpudding · 02/09/2023 22:59

I'd really love to become a HCA. I'm 45 and feel I'm too old now. Do you think I've left it too late??

Sodthebloodypicnic · 02/09/2023 23:05

I was an HCA for years.

My tip.

You're on your feet an awful lot. I used to wear the patient Ted stockings and it really helps stop your feet aching after a long shift. I wish I had known about sketchers arch fit trainers.

You're the person who the patient sees the most out of all the hospital staff, and so will have the best rapport with them. It's such a privilege. Enjoy it and treat everyone like you'd want someone to treat your mum.

Don't get involved in ward gossip/nurse/Dr bashing/politics. Just look after your patients.

Being an HCA was my favourite job. Have an awesome time.

lousia564 · 03/09/2023 08:11

Thank you all so much!

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muchalover · 03/09/2023 08:29

I would say, if you don't feel that what your being asked to do is within your role or your competency tell someone and don't do it.

Accidents happen when people don't speak up.

Advocate for patients. They are ill and their ability to navigate the system and challenge it is compromised.

Dignity. Being ill or needing hospital care impacts on people's dignity. Maintain it to the highest level possible.

Your therapeutic relationship is key and a priority. With trust people can relax and recover.

Try and keep people active, either by getting them up and about or by activity in bed. Pyjama paralysis is real.

Don't let anyone make you feel that HCAs are less important. You know the patient's, their families and what they are finding hard more than anyone. That information is vital.

I worked with a lady once who was blind. She was so rude and grumpy that the staff disliked her. She was plain nasty. Turned out she had a low level UTI for months and once the infection was cleared she was the most adorable lady ever. She had been so frightened and her cognition had been impaired by the infection. People are doing their best.

Kindness is free.

PricklyWhenWet · 03/09/2023 09:49

This is a lovely thread to read and I wish some if you had worked at the hospital my DM spent much time in. She was surrounded by nurses and HCAs that were doing a job and no more and it was truly awful with long lasting consequences.

Do what’s been outlined here and you will be a fantastic addition to any wars and could make a huge contribution to your patients experiences. Good luck @lousia564

lookingforMolly · 03/09/2023 10:03

@Fullofpudding definitely not too late!!

lousia564 · 03/09/2023 11:47

Thank you! Feeling very nervous today, tomorrow (and rest of week) is trust induction then I have some training after that, my first shift on my ward will be a night shift Shock

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Hairyfairy01 · 03/09/2023 14:19

If you can get used to the hours night shifts are good to start with as the pace will be a little slower (normally) compared to days - less people around (families, doctors, physios etc) so you should be able to get to grips with the ward better. Good luck, sounds like you are going to be great.

lousia564 · 03/09/2023 20:12

Thank you! Yes @Hairyfairy01 someone has said to me about night shifts being a bit more gentle for me to start with!

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