How to build your career as a care assistant in EU countries

Dec 23, 2017
Paul Johnson

 

Working as a care assistant may not sound very popular and exciting, but it is indispensable in the medical field. In many countries, the skills and competencies of care assistants are left uncharted. How, then do you build your career as a care assistant? Especially if you find yourself in any European country.

Care assistants known as Health Care Assistants in the UK are known as assistant practitioners in some European countries. Care assistants often work in hospital settings, with particular attention on geriatrics and gerontology wards.

It is assumed they work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RN) who delegate tasks to them. They could also practice on their own, carrying out day-to-day care.

Unlike Nursing and Midwifery, there are no general entry requirements to become a care assistant, but you may need the European Care Certificate (ECC). This certificate is not yet recognized all over Europe, but it is available in 16 European countries. The ECC will establish a comparable base for entry-level care staff across Europe and provide an accessible and transferable certificate for workers and employers.

In some countries like the Czech Republic, you’ll need a 4-years training, after which you’ll get a license to practice. There are little or no requirements in other European countries. What you need to navigate your way through is a minimum age for the necessary literacy level.

Regular tasks of Care Assistants include making beds, helping patients to eat and bathe, monitoring and recording patients’ sugar level, temperature, pulse, respiration, and weight.

Other defined roles as a Care Assistant will include;

  • the undertaking of basic care methods
  • carrying out basic mobilization methods
  • personal hygiene and nutrition
  • surveillance of the sick
  • preventative care measures
  • documentation of care measures
  • cleaning and disinfection of devices
  • taking into account factors such as religion, culture, age, gender, habits, living conditions and the environment of the patient
  • Supporting the daily personal care, dressing and undressing, giving food and beverages
  • mobilizing the patients technical activities under the supervision of the nurses such as measuring blood pressure or pulse and temperature
  • changing bandages, giving medication or conducting simple laboratory tests

As a care assistant, you should possess the following skills:

  • A loving and amicable nature
  • An open mind
  • Ability to work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
  • Sensitivity
  • Good communication skills
  • Good listening skills

As a Care Assistant, you are employable in the following areas:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities of care focusing on rehabilitation and analgesic care.
  • Residential Care Homes for the elderly and facilities for the care of persons with disabilities
  • Home-based care in the case of people who can’t afford to move around
  • Prisons Service
  • Community Health Care Centres

The longer people live, the more their need for care increases. Choosing to give assistance, love, and care is a considerable role.

Being a care assistant is not much of a high paid job, but you might want to research on the most top paying European country in care assistant.

If you do find one with a high income, you have hit the jackpot. You can also enroll in a higher education qualification for some advanced knowledge and improved expertise.