Health Care Assistant Internationally Educated

Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are prepared to work in both healthcare facilities and community agencies. In these roles they are important and valued members of the health care team. They promote and maintain the health, safety, independence, comfort and well-being of individuals and families. HCA’s provide personal care assistance and services in a caring manner that recognizes and supports the unique needs, abilities and backgrounds of clients. They work as members of a health care team in a variety of settings with direction and supervision from other health professionals. The work done by HCAs is based on a set of fundamental values, beliefs and ethical principles that are consistently reflected in all aspects of their work with clients, families, team members and others. Amongst these core values, beliefs and principles, which serve as foundations of HCA practice, are those related to:

• Human Beings
• Older Adults
• Health and Healing
• Healthcare
• Caring and Caregiving
• The Family in Health and Healing
• Understanding Culture and Diversity

The HCA Internationally Educated Program is designed for the student whose first language is not English. This program provides the student with additional language support by front-loading foundational and functional English language at the beginning of the program and will continue to support academic success throughout the program. The HCA Internationally Educated Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively as front-line care-givers, and respected members of the healthcare team, in community and facility settings. Under the direction and supervision of a health care professional, graduates provide person-centred care aimed at promoting and maintaining the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients. The ESL support will be provided by a qualified ESL instructor who will work closely with the HCA instructional team to promote student learning. Other components to the HCA Program are Basic and Advanced Hospice Palliative Care Training, Crisis Prevention Training, Introduction to RAI Observation Tool Training, Acute Care Skills, Medication Administration Assistance, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, Foodsafe, WHMIS and Student Practice Education ‘Core’ Orientation (SPECO). These will be completed during the program and are included in program costs. All of these additional certifications are valued by today’s employers. Students will participate in 8 weeks of clinical and/or practicum training. A director/instructor interview may be required.

Learning Objectives

The nine program learning outcomes that the students must meet for successful completion of this program are:

1. Provides person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client
2. Uses an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and/or spiritual well-being of clients and families
3. Provides care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges
4. Provides care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges
5. Interacts with other members of the healthcare team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals
6. Communicates clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways with clients and families within a variety of community and facility contexts
7. Provides personal care and assistance in a safe, competent and organized manner
8. Recognizes and responds to own self-development, learning and health-enhancement needs
9. Performs the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable and professional/ethical manner