The acute care environment differs from the complex care, assisted living, group homes, and home support environments in various ways. The acute care environment is usually different because you, as the Health Care Assistant, will likely care for clients before and after surgery. If you are working in complex care, you may care for clients who have returned from acute care, where you will be providing basic care along with some post-operative care. 

Overview of HCAs in Acute Care Settings

The majority of HCAs work in non-acute settings, such as complex care and assisted living facilities. In these environments, older clients and those recovering from an illness often need help with the activities of daily living. Because people today live longer, the need for HCAs to help them, regardless of setting, is more prevalent than ever. When a client is treated in an acute care setting and needs assistance with the activities of daily living, the HCA support clients by helping with dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, eating, and mobility, and they may also change sheets and bedpans. HCAs must be caring and understanding when dealing with clients who may not be able to communicate their needs. Additionally, HCAs must be able to safely lift and transfer clients, and help them walk and get in and out of bed.

The HCA is responsible for assisting other members of the health care team within various hospital departments and providing clients with help with their basic daily activities. The HCA will also observe both physical and psychological conditions, help with admission and discharge processes, lab skills, and collection of basic vitals and specimens. This unit will assist you in becoming familiar with the different aspects of the acute care setting, including different technology and clients with more complex medical needs. This unit includes a brief overview of the standardized emergency code system used in British Columbia to help prepare you to work in any environment.