The acute care environment differs from the long-term care 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. And if you are working in long-term care, you may care for residents who have returned from acute care where you will be providing basic care along with some post-operative care. 

Overview

The majority of HCAs work in non-acute settings, such as long-term care and assisted living facilities. In these environments, older residents 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 acute HCA can support the client. Health Care Assistants help clients with dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, feeding, and mobility, and they may change sheets and bedpans, too. Health Care Assistants must be caring and understanding in 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 healthcare team within various hospital departments and providing clients with help with their basic daily activities. The HCA will also observe both physical and mental conditions, help with admission and discharge processes, lab skills, and collection of basic vitals and specimens. This chapter 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.