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What is the role of a healthcare assistant in the HSE? 150 150 Chevron College

What is the role of a healthcare assistant in the HSE?

What is the role of a healthcare assistant in the HSE?

According to an HSE HCA job specification, 2023, “The purpose of the healthcare assistant is to assist with the delivery of patient care under the supervision and direction of nursing or other professional staff”.

Most specifically, some responsibilities of a healthcare assistant in the HSE include:

Provide care in accordance with individualized plans: HCAs are supervised by nurses and other professionals in the field. To guarantee that each patient receives the help they require, they adhere to the unique care plans created for them.

What is the role of a healthcare assistant in the HSE

Activities of daily living (ADLs): These aides support patients, especially those who struggle to do these tasks on their own, with dressing, bathing, using the restroom, and feeding themselves.

Support and companionship: By providing emotional support and companionship, HCAs are essential in fostering patient well-being.

Ultimately, by giving patients excellent care and reducing the strain of nurses and other medical experts, HCAs in the HSE are crucial to guaranteeing the efficient operation of the healthcare system.

By searching the below resources, you should be able to find a selection of HSE HCA positions.

On their official website, https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/, the HSE posts job openings… Here’s where to look for HCA jobs:
1. Go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/, the HSE employment page.
2. From the menu, select “Patient and Client Care” under “Job Search”.
3. All positions related to patient care will be shown. You can further tailor your search by: Use the “Location” section to view positions exclusive to that county. Entering “Healthcare Assistant” into the page’s search field at the top to view only HCA positions.

You can also look into other job boards that frequently post openings for HSE positions:

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Are Healthcare Assistants in demand in Ireland? 150 150 Chevron College

Are Healthcare Assistants in demand in Ireland?

Are Healthcare Assistants in demand in Ireland?

Yes, healthcare assistants are one of the most in-demand jobs in Ireland right now. Observing future trends, a report by ERSI predicts by 2035 we will need an additional 15,500 healthcare workers in public hospitals: click here for more information.  Any ageing population is one of the biggest contributing factors to this. Ireland’s population is ageing faster than anywhere else in Europe as birthrates fall, this illustrates the need for appropriate workforce planning. To meet the number of people who need care in the future, we must do everything we can now.

According to the Central Statistics Office, it is estimated that the 65+ years population will reach over 1 million by 2031. A Key Trends report published by Health in Ireland, there are currently five tax-paying employees for every one person over 65; however, in 20 years, this ratio will decrease to three to one. This growth indicates a shrinking working-age population compared to retirees. The ratio of those aged 60 or over to the working-age population (20-64 years) is expected to increase substantially.

The demographic of Ireland has and is changing, quicker than anywhere else in Europe. While it is excellent that people are living longer, it is very important that these years later in life are spent in good health.

More info needed here

Ireland’s population ageing faster than anywhere else in Europe as births fall – The Irish Times

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How long does it take to become a Healthcare Assistant? 150 150 Chevron College

How long does it take to become a Healthcare Assistant?

How long does it take to become a Healthcare Assistant?

Numerous factors will determine how long it takes to become a healthcare assistant. We can provide a timeframe for completion of the QQI level 5, and become qualified, not the length of time it takes to secure and start the role as a Healthcare Assistant. In terms of the qualification itself, you have 4 months to complete the QQI level 5 Care Skills and Care of the Older Person Course. You will have 16 months to complete the full QQI Level 5 Major Award, some employers may require you to have the full major award like at an HSE setting. It is important to note that these courses can be completed a lot quicker depending on how much time you can dedicate to them.  Additionally, some employers may allow you to work while studying for the Care Skills and Care of the Older Person Minor Award. However, we do recommend learners consider enrolling in the full QQI Healthcare Support Award as having the option to work in different settings will provide additional advantages, some include incremental pay increases and job progression.

Elderly Patient and Nurse

While it is uncertain how long it may take to secure a job, since healthcare assistants are in demand in Ireland, securing a job should ideally happen at a suitable time. Therefore, if you meet the correct requirements stated on the job post’s criteria, securing a job should ideally happen at a suitable time.  Additionally, the start date after successfully securing the job may vary according to the employer.

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Is QQI level 5 the same as FETAC level 5? 150 150 Chevron College

Is QQI level 5 the same as FETAC level 5?

Is QQI level 5 the same as FETAC level 5?

QQI is essentially the new FETAC and HETAC*, verifying these existing qualifications.  Therefore, yes, a QQI level 5 is the same as a FETAC level 5. QQI stands for Quality and Qualifications Ireland, a QQI Award is the quality-assured qualification awarded for further and higher education and training in Ireland.  The purpose of QQI is to promote the value, integrity, and credibility of Ireland’s further and higher education. If you have a level 5 FETAC, you can be assured this qualification is still valid.

Is QQI level 5 the same as FETAC level 5

Completing a level 5 QQI will provide the learner with a range of knowledge and skills in a specific subject. These credentials are intended to give a foundation in a specific field of study or train them for entry-level roles in various industries. At this level, learners can expect some theoretical ideas and abstract thought, with considerable depth in some areas.  There are 10 levels of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). If you have an international qualification, the Global Fan is a useful reference guide, it illustrates NFQ, EFQ, and the QF-EHEA frameworks which demonstrate how the levels compare to each other.

Chevron College became one of QQI’s partnered providers in 2007, making it one of Ireland’s largest providers of QQI online learning courses. More recently, in 2022, the college secured a higher education status with QQI. This means learners can feel confident in the quality of education they are receiving, set to the standards guided by QQI. Employers will recognize a QQI-accredited course as an indication of the correct level of training and skills development.  QQI is also internationally recognized, therefore this qualification is deemed acceptable in other countries.

The QQI level 5 accredited courses we offer include Early Learning and Care, Special Needs Assistant, and Healthcare.  You can complete a level 5 minor award in healthcare (consisting of 2 modules, Care Skills, and Care of the Older Person) or the major Healthcare Support award (8 mandatory modules including Care Skills and Care of the Older Person).  The major award enables you to work in an HSE setting, therefore increasing employment opportunities. Please click here for further information.

Please click here for further information.

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How do I become a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland? 150 150 Chevron College

How do I become a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland?

How do I become a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland?

The first step to becoming a healthcare assistant in Ireland is to meet the educational requirements. A QQI Level 5 qualification or equivalent must be completed with an accredited provider. Chevron College offers a range of level 5 QQI-accredited courses, including Care of the Older Person, Care Skills, the major Healthcare award, Special Needs Assisting and Childcare.  A work experience requirement of 20 hours per module is also required to complete the course. The cost of the Care Skills and Care of the Older Person course is €395 when paid in full or you can pay monthly for just €67 over 6 months. The major award costs a total of €1150 or just €98 per month over 12 months, you may request an extension if needed.  Enrolment & payment are completed over the phone, you can give us a call on 01 6855 300 (24/7) or you can request a call back at a time that suits you. Further details regarding both courses can be found here: QQI Healthcare Courses.

How do I become a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland?

Our healthcare modules can be completed online, anywhere in Ireland. Therefore, apart from the work experience element, everything else can be done remotely. This method of learning provides a pace that suits each learner’s lifestyle, also meaning the learner does not have to free up other aspects of life to fit it in. This can also be more cost-effective eliminating fees such as travel charges included in commuting. Some other advantages of completing online courses include easy collaboration with fellow learners, increasing knowledge and ultimately contributing to career progression.

On completion of your training, you must register with CORU and receive Garda approval before beginning work as a healthcare assistant. Some employers may prefer a full driving license. Additionally, an employer may take into consideration your individual competence and soft skills which may include communication skills, work empathy, and stress management.

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What jobs can you get with a QQI level 5 Healthcare? 150 150 Chevron College

What jobs can you get with a QQI level 5 Healthcare?

What jobs can you get with a QQI level 5 Healthcare?

You will be qualified to work as a healthcare assistant, carer, and care worker in an HSE-registered healthcare setting after completing the QQI Level 5 Healthcare major award. The duties of a Health Care Assistant may vary according to the setting. For example, as a Healthcare Assistant in a hospital, you may be required to conduct baseline observations under the Nurse’s supervision. You will also support the nurse in delivering quality care, whilst adhering to the hospital’s policies and procedures.

Having completed the major award gives the individual the opportunity and flexibility to find work in an HSE setting. However, if desired the individual may also work in a different setting where the nature of the role may vary. Some other settings include private nursing homes, a residential or an outreach setting. A care assistant may also travel to different clients’ homes. There has been an increase in the demand for healthcare providers to support older people who wish to continue living at home. More than 25,000 individuals are cared for in over 460 nursing homes in Ireland, according to Nursing Homes Ireland.

In residential settings, Healthcare assistants can support clients who require full-time or shared care. Numerous responsibilities such as personal care, and supporting people with living skills such as cooking, cleaning, family visits, etc. may occur. Additionally, if you choose employment in outreach or day activities, you may be working with clients to assist them in integrating into communities. The role may also be known as a Support Worker or Social Care Worker in some circumstances. However, it is important to note that further education may be required for some of these roles, depending on the job post requirements.  The option to work in a variety of settings allows for career flexibility and the opportunity to try different environments. You can visit the HSE Careers Hub to view open vacancies in the HSE setting.

https://accesshealthcare.ie/blog/what-types-of-healthcare-assistants-are-in-high-demand-in-ireland/

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What is NSLF? 150 150 Chevron College

What is NSLF?

What is NSLF?

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., has launched a pilot of a new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund (NSLF).

What is NSLF Aims? The NSLF aims to assist early years educators to pursue early learning and care (ELC) qualifications that have been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB) while continuing to work in the sector.

Chevron College is an Approved Higher Education Institution for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund Scheme for both our L7 and L8 Early Years programmes.

What is NSLF pilot?

The pilot Nurturing Skills Learner Fund scheme will fund a number of students to undertake QAB-approved Early Learning and Care degree programmes (at levels 7 or 8), with funding provided directly to the educational institutions, lowering the overall cost to those studying while working in the sector.

To minimise the barrier to participation, the pilot fund will meet 80% of the tuition fees and student contribution due by successful applicants, up to a maximum amount of €3,200. The remaining costs can be paid by the student or their employer, though a further 10% (€360) contribution will be refunded to the student six months after completion of each academic year, once they remain working in a ELC/SAC service and subject to the continuation of the NSLF pilot scheme.

What is NSLF
Can you do level 6 SNA without level 5 SNA? 150 150 Chevron College

Can you do level 6 SNA without level 5 SNA?

Can you do level 6 SNA without level 5 SNA?

In most circumstances, you need to have successfully completed a QQI Level 5 SNA course before advancing to a level 6. Although, learners do have the option to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they think they have applicable work/life experience. This is determined differently per application. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of valuation which may allow learners to gain formal acknowledgement of former knowledge, skills, and competence that they already have gained.

Can you do level 6 SNA without level 5 SNA

Prior evidence may be necessary if the learners experience is certified or experiential. Evidence of prior learning may suffice, alternatively a self-assessment exercise where the learner may be obliged to give a portfolio or appropriate evidence of learning.

Previous studies may be recognised as accredited learning, non-accredited learning, informal or experiential learning. Accredited learning is usually conducted in a formal setting and a qualification Accredited learning takes place in a formal learning setting and a qualification has been granted. This may be a topic or an element of a course you have completed. Non-accredited learning consists of intentional learning, but no qualification was given consequently such as work experience or education courses. For example, education that was tested but not included in the NFQ, e.g. professional certification programmes. Lastly, informal, or experiential learning is upskilling through life and work experiences. This type of learning is unintended, and the learner may not have realised that this contributed to his or her knowledge, skills and competence: More information can be accessed in the learners handbook: here.

If you would like to complete the QQI Level 6 SNA course and you think you may fulfil the above standards to fast track, we would recommend that you get in touch with our admissions team: info@chevroncollege.ie, or you can call an educational consultant at (01) 685 5300.  They will happily support you with the provision of information and guidance on next steps.

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Can I work as an SNA with just a level 5? 150 150 Chevron College

Can I work as an SNA with just a level 5?

Can I work as an SNA with just a level 5?

Yes, all you need is a QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assistant certificate. However, this will depend on the SNA job post entry requirements and may vary depending on the post and employer. A range of factors will be considered including your experience, background and qualifications in Early Years or Special Needs. Additionally, completing a level 6 Special Needs QQI certificate may be necessary if you want to progress in your career or to gain a competitive advantage when attempting to secure employment.

Can you do level 6 SNA without level 5 SNA

The course is intended to promote good practice among those working in various primary or secondary classroom settings such as daycare centre, playschool, creche or a centre for adults with special needs. Gaining valuable knowledge to become more specialised in this field is another noteworthy advantage that comes with successfully completing the level 6. More job confidence and satisfaction will follow this. Chevron offer a QQI Level 5 and 6 Special Needs Assistant Course that can be completed over 12 months or as quickly as you like. This programme can be paid in full, or alternatively in instalments (either over 6 or a 12-month period). Due to the reasons stated above, we would recommend completing the level 5 and 6 modules together. The QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assistant certificate consists of just one module (6N1957). The assessment method is 50% project and 50% skills demonstration, with the 20 hours mandatory work experience. Please click here to view more details: QQI Level 5 and 6 SNA Course.

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What is an SNA salary? 150 150 Chevron College

What is an SNA salary?

What is an SNA salary?

SNA salaries are based on experience and seniority. According to the department for Education, the starting salary for a Special Needs Assistant is €27,632 and the highest point is €44,585 (Salaries for Special Needs Assistants). In terms of private settings, this varies on employer and there is no eligibility for yearly incremental increases. You can find most vacancies here.

You most likely can expected to be paid a salary every month.

There are additional career opportunities that may appeal to you and provide some progression after gaining experience as an SNA. Some potential career paths include:

  • Special Education Teacher: SNAs have the potential to become special education teachers with further study and training. Typically, this entails earning a teaching credential with a specialisation in special education, such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
  • Special Education Coordinator or Supervisor: Special Needs Assistants with leadership skills and knowledge of special education practices may progress to positions as supervisors or coordinators for special education. These jobs include managing special education programmes, assisting staff members and teachers, and working with the admin of the school and outside parties.
  • Behavioural Therapist: SNAs with a focus on intervention techniques and behaviour control may become behavioural therapists or specialists.
  • Education Consultant or Advocate: Some SNAs go on to become advocates or educational consultants, this could entail advising families on their educational alternatives, promoting inclusive policies, and helping them with the Individual Education Plan (IEP) procedure.
  • Research and Policy Development: SNAs who want to work in research or policy development might contribute to the field of special education. This could be working with advocacy groups to advance the inclusion and rights of people with special needs, conducting research studies, or contributing to the creation of educational policies.
  • Management and Administration: SNAs with experience can go on to work in management or administration positions in schools or organisations that support people with special needs. This could apply to positions like executive directors of charitable organisations, programme directors, and principals of schools.

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