Health Care Aide Requisite Skills and Abilities
There are a number of fundamental skills and abilities that a student must possess in order to work as a Health Care Aide. These essential skills are required in order to be able to work competently in a variety of settings. This information can be used by prospective students in order to determine whether they are able to meet the demands of this career.
The skills follow the five domains that the College of Registered Nurses uses in describing the requisite skills and abilities of potential nursing students. They have been amended to more clearly reflect the functions of a Health Care Aide. To view the original Requisite Skills and Abilities document please go to www.crnm.mb.ca CRNM and look under Interpretive Documents.
REQUISITE SKILL AND ABILITY EXAMPLES
1. Cognitive
Ability to perform skills which demonstrate thinking capacity:
• Recall information over time
• Demonstrate basic math skills
• Utilize a systematic problem solving approach
• Identify actions to rectify the problem
• Know when to consult with other members of health care team
Example: When transferring a client from the bed to a wheelchair, is able to remember the correct steps (recalls information). If difficulties arise during this process, knows what to do and whom to call in order to keep the client safe (problem solving, actions and who to consult with).
2. Communication and Interpersonal
Ability to express and receive written, verbal, or non-verbal language and has the capacity to interact with others in a respectful and professional manner:
• Read, write, speak and understand in the language of instruction
• Give and receive information in a positive manner
• Recognize own non-verbal communication and the ability to interpret non-verbal communication in others
• Document and report relevant information in a timely manner utilizing both paper and electronic means
Example: Able to communicate and respond to information from a client (conveyed both verbally and non-verbally) and share this information (give and receive information) with other health care providers either in person or through documentation on paper or electronically where indicated.
3. Behavioural
Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner:
• Accept uniqueness and diversity of all individuals
• Ability to perform under direction of healthcare professionals
• Conduct self in a professional manner
• Practice in a manner consistent with established patient safety policies and procedures
• Awareness of unpredictable environment
• Utilize time management skills
Example: Treats all clients in a professional manner despite differences (accepts uniqueness of all individuals). Is able to take direction from others in a courteous manner (perform under direction of healthcare providers) even when situation becomes stressful. Functions with frequent interruptions and remains calm in emergency situations.
4. Sensory
Ability to perceive with each of the following senses well enough to provide care:
• Sight
• Touch
• Hearing
• Smell
• Hand-eye coordination (manual dexterity)
Example: Can see well enough to read written information about client and the equipment at the bedside. Can feel differences in skin temperature with hand touch. Can hear clients’ voices without directly looking at them. Can hear alarms on equipment and patient call systems. Able to recognize abnormal odors. Can manage equipment (manual dexterity) used in providing care to clients (transfer devices, wheelchairs, and commodes).
5. Physical
Ability to perform each of the following skills well enough to provide safe care:
• Lift
• Carry
• Stand and maintain balance
• Perform repetitive actions
• Push and pull
• Climb
• Bend
• Reach
• Walk
• Move within small spaces
Example: Is able to reposition a client in bed or assist them when getting up. Can climb a flight of stairs unaided if working in a client’s home. Can move easily between a patient’s bed and equipment or in a small space such as a bathroom.
To be a successful health care worker, you must be a caring person who enjoys working with people of all ages. You should be flexible, and be able to think and act responsibly and with integrity.
As stated above, you will need good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills so you can develop effective relationships with clients and co-workers. You should be able to accept constructive criticism and improve your performance based on such guidance. You must be prepared to accept a schedule that involves evening and weekend work during your clinical practice experience in the program and in the workplace after you graduate.
Note: Following graduation, employers in health care settings may request security clearance through Criminal Record checks and the Child Abuse Registry.