• Assist with mobility, transfers and related equipment
• Perform nursing procedures such as taking temperature, pulse and respiration
• Housekeeping activities relating to maintaining a safe and healthy environment
• Observe and report changes in behavior and condition
• Accompany clients on outings and during social activities
• Perform clerical duties and delegated tasks
Average Hourly
$22
Range Hourly
$10.70 – $25.33
Average Yearly
$42,900
Range Yearly
$20,866 – $49,394
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (3413)
Continuing care assistant; Escort - health services; First aid attendant; Geriatric aide; Geriatric health care attendant; Health care aide; Health care assistant; Hospice worker; Hospital aide; Hospital attendant; Long term care aide; Medical aide; Medical attendant - patient transfer; Medical orderly; Neuropsychiatric aide; Nurse aide; Nursery aide - hospital; Nursing assistant (non-registered); Nursing attendant; Nursing home attendant; Nursing orderly; Nursing services aide; Operating room aide; Orderly; Patient care aide; Patient care assistant; Patient care associate; Patient service aide; Patient service assistant; Patient service associate; Patient service attendant; Patient service worker; Personal care aide - medical; Personal care attendant - medical; Personal care provider - medical; Personal support aide - medical; Psychiatric aide; Registered care aide; Resident care aide - medical; Resident companion - medical; Respite care aide; Service assistant - medical; Service associate - medical; Service attendant - medical; Special care aide - nursing; Special care facility attendant; Special care worker - medical; Support services assistant - medical; Surgical aide; Unit aide - medical; Unit assistant - medical; Unit support technician - medical; Ward aide - medical
On-the-job training is sufficient. However, often many employers prefer candidates having health care aide certification
First-aid, BLS, ACLS certificates may be required
High
Employment outlook is good to fair across provinces. More information is available here.
Without further education further growth in the job is limited.
0-1 years
Having a certificate in Health Care Aide program will facilitate employment: Following institutions offer Health Care Aide certificate programs:
ABM College
Bow Valley College
Red Deer College
Vancouver Community College
Red River College
Excellent communication skills; people’s skills; empathetic; ability to work independently, Patience, Flexibility, Organizational skills and attention to detail; teamwork; self-confidence; leadership skills; adaptability
Helping people to move, bathe, dress and perform other daily tasks can be physically demanding. They may be on their feet for long periods of time. They need good general health, knowledge of body mechanics and awareness of proper lifting techniques.
Working conditions vary greatly. Health care aides may work in institutions or private homes. These settings can be quite nice, or they can be less than ideal. Although many clients are pleasant and co-operative, some are difficult. Dealing with difficult clients can be frustrating and stressful.
Hours of work also vary. Many agencies offer 24-hour service, so shift work (including weekends) is often required.
1. Getting certificates for first aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), etc. is an asset
2. Enrolling into a Health care aide certificate program with a practicum placement
3. Alternatively, volunteering in a healthcare/long-term care center may open up opportunities without taking a course