Staff Spotlight
Health Care Assistant Day
October 18th is Health Care Assistant Day! You may also know this dedicated group of frontline care providers as Community Health Workers, Home Support Workers, Community Care Assistants and Care Aides. They serve patients and clients in a variety of settings including acute care, long-term care, home and the community settings.
To show our appreciation, we spoke with two Health Care Assistants (HCA), both graduates of the Health Care Access Program (HCAP), to learn more about what they do and why they do it.
Providing patient care with an open mind and heart
Lisa Prothero (left), a HCA for Sea to Sky Home Support team, has had a lifelong desire to care for and help others, through being in the healthcare field. A year ago, after a change in career and as a Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) HCAP graduate, she made that dream a reality. “For me this has been and continues to be the best career-based decision I’ve made. The safety, security, education provided, health benefits and personal emotional benefits exceed any expectations I ever had. To absolutely love what I do is something I thought was never possible”, Lisa shares.
Lisa works within her community, travelling to each client’s home, providing a wide scope of care, ranging from meal preparation, medical administration to physical exercise. Lisa says, “I show up with an open mind and heart. I love being able to connect with each client on a different level, to care for their personal needs, and to advocate for those who cannot for themselves”. The role HCAs have within community and in allowing clients to be able to continue living at home, is a motivating factor for Lisa.
Her team also motivates Lisa. “My leaders play a crucial role in every workday. My supervisors support every decision made and are always available for support physically and emotionally,” says Lisa.
Having a special connection with residents and colleagues
Kim Stewart (right), a HCA at Richmond Lions Manor, a long-term care facility is motivated by knowing that every day she comes to work, she is making a positive impact on someone’s life. Kim works with an interdisciplinary team to assist in delivering client care, such as bathing, grooming, assisting with meals and more.
Having previously worked as a Senior Historical Consultant to a Therapeutic Support Worker, Kim shares she is still very much a historian. She sees people as living libraries with a multitude number of stories to tell. “My favourite part of the job is connecting with residents and their families. Meeting people from many walks of life, and learning how they live with life-threatening illnesses is very moving,” Kim says. “I am honoured to be part of their journey.”
As part of a team, Kim also connects with her colleagues. “It’s the little things…such as wishing each other a good shift, providing positive feedback, making sure everyone’s efforts are appreciated that go a long way.”
At VCH, Kim appreciates that there are always opportunities to improve knowledge and skills with courses, lunchtime Zoom sessions, as well as resources for mental health and an open line of communication.
In fact, with every shift, Kim is learning how to provide better care as she gets to know the residents on a deeper level. “It’s an incredible opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and personal preferences of the residents. Knowing that every day I come to work, I'm making a positive impact on someone’s life.”
A special thank you to Kim, Lisa and all of the Health Care Assistants at Vancouver Coastal Health who play a crucial role in caring for patients, clients and residents every day.
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