Working as a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland: Flexible, Fulfilling and Full of Opportunity
No two days are the same, a job with purpose, and career opportunities unlimited. These are just some of the motivations for choosing to work as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Ireland. But did you know that HCA work is also one of the most in-demand jobs in Ireland? Here’s everything you need to know about this rewarding career…
Healthcare Assistants in Ireland - You Are Needed
Healthcare Assistants are very much in demand in Ireland, and due to the aging population, who require more care, this won’t change any time soon. In fact, according to a recent ESRI report, Ireland's public acute hospitals may need up to 15,500 more staff within 13 years, many of whom will be HCAs. So, working as an HCA means you can be sure to have plenty of job opportunities. There’s also lots of scope to progress your career as an HCA by working towards higher qualifications. For example, did you know that the HSE offers sponsorship to HCAs within the HSE who wish to train as a Nurse or Midwife?
Why Healthcare Assistants Are So Valuable?
In so many ways, HCAs are the backbone of healthcare in Ireland – because they offer many forms of support and care. HCAs assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and mobility. In hospitals, they are often a patient’s first point of contact and are a crucial link between Nurse and patient. They also work to support Doctors, Midwives and other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. HCAs are especially valuable as they offer not just physical care but emotional support too.
Options and Opportunities
You can choose to work in a wide variety of settings, each with their own specific responsibilities. In hospitals, HCAs are supervised and directed by a qualified nurse – taking care of patients and keeping them safe. HCAs can also assist Doctors and Nurses by monitoring a patient’s vital signs and help with medical equipment. It is also their job to keep Doctors and Nurses updated on a patient’s condition.
You can also choose to work in a nursing home, residential care home or voluntary organisation. Here you would support clients in every aspect of their day-to-day care needs.
There is also a growing need for HCAs to work in the community – caring for the elderly and those with intellectual disabilities. Many HCAs work as part of a Day Service or Outreach programme, helping service users reach their potential by learning new skills, pursuing an interest or socialising.
Qualifying as an HCA
To become an HCA working with the HSE, you need your Leaving Certificate and a QQI Level 5 Award. The QQI Level 5 comprises three parts: Healthcare Support, Healthcare Service Skills and Community Health Services. You must have completed all 8 Modules to achieve 120 Credits.
In addition, you must be eligible to work in Ireland, have a minimum of 3 months’ recent experience in a caring or supporting role, be fluent in written and spoken English. You must also submit references and have a full vaccination record.
Making a Great HCA
What traits and personal skills make a good HCA? Most importantly, you must have empathy and compassion for those in your care. Understanding their feelings and anxieties is key, as is dedication and a passion for helping people. Since you will be liaising with patients as well as their families and healthcare professionals – good communication skills are essential. At the same time, you will need to be patient, stay calm under pressure and possess a positive attitude. You need to be responsible, reliable and able to take ownership of allocated tasks, while also functioning within a team. You also need physical stamina, be adaptable and have a willingness to learn and keep up with developments within the profession.
Exploring Agency Work as an HCA
The flexibility of working as a Temporary HCA could be perfect for you. As an agency worker you have complete control of when, where and how much you work - you make your schedule work for you. This is ideal if you have family commitments, are studying, or just want to enjoy a better work/life balance. With the ability to work in different settings you have ample opportunity to grow your skills and progress your career.
Talk to TTM Today
We can help you build your HCA career. We are the leading healthcare recruitment agency in Ireland and have Tier One Status with the HSE for supplying HCAs nationwide. It means our Temporary workers have access to all HSE shifts.
Working with TTM also means you become part of our supported and valued community of agency workers. You’ll have your own dedicated consultant and help is available 24/7. We also offer great benefits – from our Perks at Work rewards platform to our ROTA App which lets you manage your work schedule direct from your phone.
Learn more about working as an HCA here:
Becoming an HCA or Support Worker in | TTM Healthcare Solutions
How to Become a Healthcare Assistant in | TTM Healthcare Solutions
Check out our available Health Care Assistant jobs here.
