To tell you about my first week as a HCA in a hospital?

[atronger]

I am gobsmacked.

I didn't get any training. I did an online video training series, that lasted about an hour. Then done.

Some competencies like blood pressure checks etc signed off by a RN during my shift. And that's it

Second day in and I was asked to administer paracemtol twice by two different doctors! I said to them both I'm not a nurse. I cannot administer drugs but I can ask someone to do it. They both told me off, and the last one told me I was 'just being useless'

I was on a morning shift today and a senior nurse was extremely rude to me because I couldn't fix a cast (fracture clinic). I am not trained to! More snidey remarks

Yesterday I was on a night shift and asked by a senior nurse to help clean a wound. Didn't really feel it waa my place to do so, spoke out about it but she showed me once and I got it, so did the other leg for this very lovely patient. All fine. But felt pressured to do it when I wasn't really sure I was allowed. Was completely brushed off like I was being ridiculous and of course I could. Then got a telling off by ward sister for doing so

I came into this because I'm very interested in becoming a Nurse when the time is right in my personal life. But I'm shocked at how some medical staff speak to their colleagues

Yep, A&E mostly and Fracture Clinic. My time on Gynae ward was like walking on a cloud!

This job is not for you , find something else maybe in an office 👍

Why? I really like the job. I just don't want to do anything I'm not allowed to

Perhaps that’s the answer to the much-asked question on mumsnet of why men want to go into gynaecology as a specialism !

Were you working as an hca on the gynae ward but now work in the fracture clinic. How long have you been an hca.

@Keyansier

So are you saying if asked to treat the wound of a child who’s grazed literally half of their shin off after being knocked off their bike by a car, you’d be pefectly fine just doing that? You would just use an antiseptic wipe and a plaster? What about bits of the wipe getting in the wound? What if the kid is thrashing about in agony and the parents are there watching you? Wound cleansing in a hospital environment is a bit fucking different to when your child slips and grazes their knee. Jesus wept.

I think it's different rules for different trusts and departments. The band 3s can admit patients where I work but this wouldn't be expected from a new member of staff like what OP is describing. As a band 2 you can do obs and clean wounds and so on again this would not be expected from a new person with no experience or training along side a RN. It sounds like OP is working in a terrible department
Buy even so there's no excuse.

Wow, really based on this one post? She’s not allowed to do the things she’s posted, that’s not on her.

I’m shocked they’d get you to a fix a cast. Sounds like my trust though!!!

Doctor here..OP it will get better. Everyone feels vulnerable when they start out. Your colleagues are stressed...doesn't excuse their behaviour AT ALL...but try not to take it personally. Those calling you lazy on here are basically clueless about how healthcare works! You will get there. Each week will get easier and soon you'll be a pro. I love my HCAs...an essential part of our team. Good luck!

@Neanov yeah definitely sounds different for different trusts! I’m still finding my feet and bank only so I get the opportunity to pick what ward. Hopefully OP doesn’t have to go back to the ward they were in!

I really enjoyed the most difficult ward, A&E. but my goodness the way I was spoken to by some staff (most staff absolutely lovely). And the way I heard some Consultants/Registrars speak to junior doctors was

Sounds dreadful OP and well done for standing up to the other staff.

I can't believe that people are telling you that you should be doing things that you haven't been trained to do, are outside the scope of your job description and you shouldn't be working in a hospital. Would they be happy if a relative of theirs was given medication by an untrained person in their first week on the job?

It's an illustration of the state of the NHS, and especially that you're receiving less pay as well as probably less training, than you would if you'd just started as a shelf stacker in Aldi (no disrespect to supermarket workers, but the shockingly poor pay and conditions shows how little we value our healthcare workers).

To be honest, I'm more shocked they're not that bothered about someone unqualified to do these things going ahead, and have such little regard for their registration which surely is at risk if they're caught?

@atronger i love A&E! I felt like I learned most from elderly wards tbh, it’s hard hard graft but helped me nail the basics in personal care, pressure sores etc etc. Didn’t enjoy cardiology or gastro (could literally taste shit by the end of my gastro shift)

Props to you OP for taking this work on, I would just try not to react to the rudeness but keep a log of everything so that you can cover yourself if need be

What on earth would make you write that? What are you basing that assertion on?

I'm an HCA and there's no way I'd be allowed to administer paracetamol. The nurses hold the MAR sheet information, I'm not privvy to that at all. I don't even have keys to the drugs cupboard.

Try not to personalise it too much as rubbish as it can be at first. Some places like a and e take a bit of getting used to.

Shes not a nurse, she’s a healthcare assistant with an hour’s training who could get not only sacked but prosecuted for administering medication (even paracetamol) and cleaning and dressing wounds. Tit.
Op good luck. I lasted 6 months as a h a before leaving as a private care worker

Well going off some experiences I’ve had, they might be thinking you are and assuming . What did you say when asked to fix the cast?

What kind of things do you have to do OP? Do you have to wipe people’s bottoms etc?
I would love to work in a hospital but I don’t think I could do that!

I hope you keep us updated OP I will be waiting for an update!

I'm sorry I will be Frank... I've got 10 years experience and they definitely are some departments what are terrible and nobody wants to work, and it's because of the way the staff speak and treat you! I also bank on wards and I stick to the same 3/4 wards and if the staff are unfriendly/unhelpful I would definitely NOT return.

Could you return back to your old department OP? I think it sounds extremely bad.... and I would be looking for another job now.

I assume if you’re directly asked to give drugs by a doctor it’s ok. It’s not as if you’re the one making the decision.

Didn’t enjoy cardiology or gastro (could literally taste shit by the end of my gastro shift)

OMG 🤮

Never good to assume.