Healthcare assistants make sure the patient experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. It can also be the stepping stone into many other NHS roles.

Working life

You’ll work under the guidance of a healthcare professional such as a nurse and your job will vary depending on where you’re based. For example, in a hospital you may:

• wash and dress patients
• serve meals and help to feed patients
• help people to move around
• make beds
• make patients feel comfortable
• monitor patients’ conditions by taking temperatures, pulse, respirations and weight

As well as nurses, HCAs work with doctors, midwives and other healthcare professionals. They have a lot of contact with patients.

Pay and benefits

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings and weekends. As a healthcare assistant, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 2.

You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, which increases the longer you’re in service.

Looking after patients, looking after you

Compassionate care comes from staff who are well looked after, and the NHS is a well-respected national employer.

We have one of the most competitive and supportive benefits packages, including:

• length of working week
• holidays
• career progression

Join us and be a part of something very special.