Health Care Assistant - PACU

• Job Description
• Job Title Health Care Assistant
• Department PACU
• Reports to Nurse Manager
• Date 2026
• Overall Purpose of Job
• To provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the center of all we do.
• The Health Care Assistant's role is to provide technical assistance and supportive patient care to meet the needs of individual patients throughout assigned areas.
• Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
• Assists with patient activities and care as assigned by the Nurse Manager/Clinical Co-Coordinator.
• Communicates professionally with all staff and patients.
• Assists in safe manual handling practice when required and helps the patient with elimination needs and hygiene needs.
• Ensures appropriate equipment is available according to the post-operative needs of the patient as requested by the Nurse or Coordinator and by using own initiative.
• Assists with patient safety related to age and condition: Assists with patient specific safety precautions, collects, reports and documents data related to patient needs/emergencies.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality of information and records at all times.
• Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment, performs correct hand hygiene and infection control measures as per local policies.
• Maintains patient care areas with appropriate supplies throughout each day, liaises with relevant MDT members to ensure accurate and in date stock levels.
• Transfers patients from the Recovery environment to the appropriate wards as requested to do so by the Nurse.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of theatre equipment i.e: trolleys, beds, stock replenishment
• Liaise with PACU coordinator and Holding Bay staff to collect beds for patients in theatre
• Recognises his/her own scope of practice.
• Adheres to internal controls established for the department.
• Performs related duties as required.
• The timely identification and communication of any issues and complaints to the Nurse Manager/Clinical Co-Coordinator.
• Demonstrate a confidence/competence in all hospital policies and guidelines.
• Clinical Responsibilities:

The post holder will ensure

• The patient's needs are individually assessed.
• The patient's families and significant others are involved as appropriate.
• Patients are cared for in the optimum clinical environment, adhering to all hospital wide policies and guidelines.
• Full participation in and supervision of patient's meal and special dietary requirements.
• Visiting time policies are adhered to.
• Personal/Professional Responsibilities:

The post holder is expected to

Attend in a timely manner all mandatory education sessions.

Ensure their professional and personal persona positively reflects Beacon Hospital.

Attend appropriate study days/courses.

Participate in their performance review with their Nurse Manager.

Utilise effective time management skills.

Maintain professional appearance and dress code.

Comply with guidelines for absence or tardiness.

Attend staff meetings, reads all work related email and other postings.

All employees are expected to remain flexible to meet the needs of the hospital, which may include floating to other departments to assist as the patient needs fluctuate.

Wear Identification Badge when working.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Completion of an approved course QQI FETAC level 5 Qualification in Health Care Assistant (all 8 modules) or an equivalent nursing qualification required.

Experience

Previous Health Care experience preferred.

Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge

Teamwork

Demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Demonstrate motivation and a proactive approach to the job.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

Planning and Organising

Works with good initiative and forward thinking.

Demonstrate evidence of effective planning, organising and time management skills.

Demonstrate flexible approach - to internal rotations, rostering, e.g. night duty, theatre on call, attitude to work.

Knowledge

Demonstrate evidence of recent and relevant experience in an acute hospital setting.

Patient/Customer Focus

Demonstrate a focus on quality.

Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

Behave in a polite and professional manner in all given scenarios.

Personal Competencies

All posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager or hospital management.

This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital.