Where and when can I work?
Although most often working in hospitals or in patients' homes, healthcare assistants need to be willing to spend time travelling between locations, at all different times of the day, due to working shifts.
What can I earn?
Healthcare assistants earn anything between £13,000 and £16,000, although this can vary slightly depending on the position held and the amount of responsibility. With experience, salary can increase to around £18,000, however it is unlikely to increase beyond this amount.
What are the benefits?
This role allows you to work part-time or on a flexible basis. This particularly appeals to people who have children at home.
Are there chances of promotion?
Most people working as a healthcare assistant choose it as a career and do not look to progress. However, there is occasionally the opportunity to progress into another healthcare role, such as a midwife or a social worker, as the role of a healthcare assistant provides individuals with a solid foundation.
What will I be responsible for?
When working in this role, you could expect your responsibilities to include helping patients with everything from washing to using the toilet, ensuring the supplies of medical equipment are replenished, and recording the progress of patients too.
Do I need any experience?
Previous medical experience is the best experience you could have, as well as experience of working in a caring role.
What attributes are needed?
Successful healthcare assistants will be caring, have an open mind, enjoy people, have good listening skills, and be sensitive when needed to be.
Introduction
As a healthcare assistant, you will be caring for patients in various different environments, such as in hospital or in the patients' home.
Who can I work for?
The NHS, private hospitals, hospices and nursing homes most commonly employ healthcare assistants, so there is always work to be found.