Healthcare assistants, also known as HCA’s, work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals. Those working as HCA’s can also be known as nursing assistants, nursing auxiliaries or auxiliary nurses depending on the setting.
Although there are no set requirements to become a healthcare assistant, good levels of literacy and numeracy are expected.
Training to become a healthcare assistant includes basic nursing skills and working towards a Care Certificate, developed by Skills for Care, Skills for Health and Health Education England. You can find out more about the Care Certificate here.
If you are interested in becoming a healthcare assistant you can find out more on the NHS Health Careers page.
To explain more about the fantastic opportunities healthcare assistants have working through the staff bank we have interviewed Leah who works as a healthcare assistant at our Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Staff Bank.
What made you decide to become a Bank HCA?
To help build my confidence in myself and to help people! I wanted to allow myself to work flexibly within many environments and wards without being stuck in one area.
What is the best part of your job?
Being with the patients and making a difference to their care. It gives me the opportunity to build my skills in various areas.
Why do you choose to work through the bank?
I enjoy the flexibility to be able to choose when and where I would like to work and they are very helpful!
What do you love about working bank?
Flexibility, friendly staff/bookings team and useful online booking system. The also inform me when training is needed and about future shifts.
What do you love about working at ESTH?
Epsom and St Helier Staff are friendly and welcoming!
What would you say to someone considering becoming a Bank HCA
Very rewarding, you need put the effort in.
What would you say to someone considering bank work?
Work hard, build a good rapport with all of the wards you work on, look regularly for shifts and know your availability.
If you would like to see more HCA roles we have available across all our Trusts, click here.
If you are interested in finding out more about working Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Staff Bank you can find out more about them here.