Patient care assistant as career

Ranjan K Baruah *

'Capping and Lamp Lighting Ceremony' of State Government, School of Nursing (ANM/FHW) at Lamphelpat in Feb 2014 :: Pix - Shanker Khangembam

Healthcare sector in India has been growing rapidly over the years and is estimated to reach US$ 280 billion by 2020. As a result there is a demand for human resources related to health care in the country.

Country is in short fall of health professionals compared to other countries. When we think of health care or hospitals, we think more about doctors. But the health care service has many other providers.

Apart from doctors there are nurses, allied health professional like dental hygienists, sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, etc. It also includes lab technician, patient care assistant, etc.

We are aware of medical entrances and entrances for nursing courses and all. Today, we would like to tell you about another option which is known as 'Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'.

No much educational qualification is needed to be a part of PCA. It is one of the roles in the healthcare sector and sometime this is also known as General Duty Assistant or may be also called Personal Care Assistant.

They need to work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses and other medical staff. PCAs have a great deal of contact with patients and provide personal care such as bathing, feeding and dressing. They also perform support functions such as transporting patients, taking vital signs, making beds, answering patient calls, etc.

There is an increased need in the health care setting for qualified assistants to the under staffed and over worked nurses in all health care settings.

Healthcare is changing in the country and there would be more need of PCAs in health sector. Increasing of hospitals and nursing homes are bringing more opportunities for the trained PCAs.

There are short term courses under skill training programme which are mostly free and provided by different agencies. After the completion of the course or training one can demonstrate techniques to maintain the personal hygiene needs of a patient, demonstrate the ability to perform clinical skills essential in providing basic healthcare services, demonstrate professional behaviour, personal qualities and characteristics of a PCA, demonstrate the knowledge of emergency medical response and other actions in the event of medical emergencies, etc.

These short term courses are useful and one can get employment in various hospitals, nursing homes or other clinics. Good and effective communication skill is also needed as they need respond to calls apart from providing other services. Trained individuals may start their own enterprises to provide home care service to patient who are in need of various services.

As no much higher qualification is needed to join PCAs so young people might think it as a new career option. Health care service shall also boom in the north eastern region which shall bring more opportunities for people. One need to have patience and attitude of serving people as PCAs role is all about providing services to the patients.