You are currently a senior carer working across care homes and nursing homes (older adults with dementia) and have applied to work in the NHS as a healthcare assistant in mental health setting. Give evidence of how you gained each of the essential criteria listed below and a situation where you’ve used them.

Evidence of how you meet the essential criteria:

1. Previous care work experience

2.Confidence in dealing with mental health patients

3.Ability to work as part of a team

4.Work rotational shift patterns over 24 hours including nights

5.Vocational Qualification Level II or the skills, knowledge, and ability to work to this level

6.Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent

Give evidence of how you gained each of the essential criteria and a situation where you’ve used them.

See template CV is attached below as a guide where applicable for this piece of work.

TEMPLATE CV 

Personal Profile

Highly motivated, hardworking, qualified, and experienced Senior Healthcare Worker confident in providing holistic care to patients of all age groups. Has the ability to monitor and record vital signs and observations in line with professional standards. Able to carry out all aspects of the role, from personal care, administering medication and insulin, meal preparation and record keeping, also willing to work on any shift. Promoting optimum well-being and comfort at all times by providing person-centred care. Ensures that every patient is supported and encouraged, and that the dignity of patients is maintained at all times. I would now like to utilise these skills, as well as the experience gained over the years and undertake a new challenge in the delivery of the finest services as professional health and social care worker.

Education

Caredemy Online Skills for Care, London                                                                                                             2022

The Care Certificate (15 Standards of Care)

Included the following modules:

• Understand your role
• Your personal development
• Duty of care
• Equality and diversity
• Work in a person-centered way
• Communication
• Privacy and dignity
• Fluids and nutrition
• Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disabilities
• Safeguarding adults, children
• Basic life support
• Health and safety
• Handling information
• Infection prevention and control

LearnPac Systems, United Kingdom                                                                                                                    2022

Mandatory Training for Healthcare Workers (15 Courses in One)

• Safeguarding Children- Level 1
• CSTF Moving and Handling (Patient Handling)- Level 2
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults- Level 1
• Fire Safety for Health and Care- Level 1
• Infection Prevention and Control- Level 2
• Health and safety in Health and Social care Training- Level 2
• Infection and Control- Level 1
• Safeguarding Adults at Risk- Level 2
• Safeguarding Children in Health and Social Care- Level 2
• CSTF Adult resuscitation- Level 2
• CSTF Equality and Diversity and Human Rights
• CSTF Adult Resuscitation – Level 1
• Conflict Resolution – Level 1
• Preventing Radicalisation CSTF- Level 1 & 2
• Information Governance and Data Security- Level 1
• Medicines Management in Care Homes

Crest Hospital Auxiliary Nurse Training certificate                                                                                            2018-2020

CovenantUniversity                                                                              2011

BSc Business Administration (Second Class Upper Division)

Key Skills and Personal Qualities

• Capable of working independently and using my initiative
• Ability to work in a team and contribute advantageous ideas.
• Willing to learn and keen to perceive new ideas and methods.
• Works well under pressure, ensuring that strict deadlines are met.
• Flexibility, whilst maintaining enthusiasm and commitment to each task
• Good Communication Skills both Oral and Written.
• Good reporting and record keeping.
• Monitoring Vital Signs of patients and recording observation
• Equal opportunity and Management of Diversity
• Excellent IT Skills.

Employment History

HealthCare Assistant (Working across NHS sites, Nursing homes and care homes with older adults with dementia)

Topline Care Services                                                         Feb 2023- Present

• Providing Dignified personal care assistance including washing, dressing, toileting

• Food Preparation

• Feeding assistance

• Keeping the home clean and tidy

• Laundry and ironing

• Administering Medication

• Going on escorts for shopping, hospital appointments etc

• Taking Clients for community activities

• Helping client get into bed at night

• Dealing with relatives and visitors to the home

• Ensuing comfort and safety of client within the home

• Updating Care plans

Senior Care Worker                                                                                                           2018 – 2023.

Crest Hospital

On promotion after Auxiliary Nurse Training. Duties and key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Support Patients on admission with personal hygiene including toileting, bathing, oral care and dentures.
• Assist with feeding where necessary.
• Prepare, update and review care plans.
• Transporting patients to wards and surgeries, ambulating, turning, and positioning patients.
• Ensure patients are comfortable during hospital stay through routine checks, repositioning and are given intense personal centred care.
• Prompting patients to take their medicines and administration of oral medication.
• Take patients vital signs especially blood pressure, temperatures, pulse, respirations, and weight throughout hospital stay to ensure patients stayed on the path to recovery.
• Facilitate communication between home, hospital departments through the multidisciplinary team.
• Monitor patients’ health, behavioural and physical changes through keen observation and report concerns to management promptly.
• Liaising with both clinical and non-clinical professionals in training, management and administrative teams.
• Communicating with and working with families to develop patient centred care plans.
• Providing patients with emotional support throughout stay.
• Reporting emergencies to Senior Nurses and Doctors on duty.
• Assist with shopping where necessary.
• Carrying out other adhoc duties as required by Senior clinical and non-clinical staff on duty.

Administrative Officer                                                                                                             2013 – 2018

Crest Hospital

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Manage office supplies, stock and place orders.
• Prepare regular reports on expenses and office budgets.
• Distribute and store correspondence (e. g letters, emails, and packages).
• Prepare reports and presentations with statistical data as assigned.
• Organise a filing system for important and confidential company and patient documents.
• Schedule In-house and external events.
• Organizing, maintaining diaries, and making appointments.
• Build client/customer relationship with vendors, patients, and visitors.
• Receiving telephone calls, enquiries, request and handling them as appropriate.

Class Teacher                                                                                            2011 – 2012

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Design and implement daily lesson plans for business studies.
• Motivate and challenge students through active learning, projects, and Class presentations.
• Evaluate each student’s progress and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Mediate classroom conflicts.
• Participate in organizing career talks and quiz competition.

ANSWER

Demonstrating Essential Criteria for a Healthcare Assistant Role in Mental Health

Introduction

Transitioning from a senior carer in care homes to a healthcare assistant in a mental health setting requires a blend of experiences and skills. This essay delves into each essential criterion, offering evidence of how I have gained and applied these attributes throughout my career.

Essential Criteria 1: Previous Care Work Experience

As a senior care worker at Topline Care Services, I have demonstrated extensive care work experience. I have provided dignified personal care, administered medication, assisted with feeding, and maintained the comfort and safety of clients. For instance, when assisting an elderly resident with dementia, I applied my experience to ensure her daily routine, including medication administration and personal hygiene, was tailored to her needs.

Essential Criteria 2: Confidence in Dealing with Mental Health Patients

Working across care homes and nursing homes for older adults with dementia, I have developed the confidence to interact with patients experiencing cognitive impairments. A significant example involves a resident who was experiencing heightened anxiety. By using calming techniques and effective communication, I was able to establish a rapport and alleviate her distress.

Essential Criteria 3: Ability to Work as Part of a Team

Throughout my roles, collaboration has been integral. As a senior care worker at Crest Hospital, I liaised with both clinical and non-clinical professionals, contributed to multidisciplinary teams, and reported patient observations to management promptly. For instance, I collaborated with nurses, doctors, and administrative staff to ensure patients’ holistic needs were met during their hospital stay.

Essential Criteria 4: Work Rotational Shift Patterns

My current role at Topline Care Services requires rotational shifts, including night shifts. I have adapted to these demanding schedules to ensure continuous care for residents. During night shifts, I have been responsible for assisting residents with their nighttime routines, administering medications, and providing emotional support.

Essential Criteria 5: Vocational Qualification Level II or Equivalent Skills

My comprehensive training, including The Care Certificate, demonstrates my commitment to vocational qualifications. Courses such as “Understanding Your Role” and “Communication” have equipped me with the necessary skills to provide person-centered care and communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues.

Essential Criteria 6: Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and Above or Equivalent

My BSc in Business Administration from Covenant University showcases my strong educational background, including proficiency in mathematics and English.

Conclusion

The journey from a senior carer to a healthcare assistant in a mental health setting has equipped me with the necessary skills and experiences to fulfill the essential criteria of the role. I have gained insights into patient care, confidence in dealing with mental health patients, the ability to work collaboratively, adaptability to shifts, relevant vocational qualifications, and strong educational foundations. With these attributes, I am poised to embrace the challenges of a mental health setting and contribute to enhancing patient well-being.