Coming of Age – Educating Canada’s Unregulated Health Care Workers BRITISH COLUMBIA PROGRAMS

Program Title Home Support/Resident Care Attendant

Entrance Requirements Grade 10 Criminal Record Search Health Requirements (TB testing, others recommended) Basic First Aid and CPR Some colleges require volunteer experience Basic Food Safe

Standardization of Curriculum Provincial curriculum followed by all community colleges

Program Length Home Support/Resident Care Attendant 318 - 358 hours class/lab 300 – 360 hours practical 23 – 25 weeks

Courses within Program Human Relations: Interpersonal Communication (36-42 hours) Health: Lifestyle and Choices (30-36 hours) Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice (60-66 hours) Healing: Personal Care Skills (90-94 hours) Healing: Special Needs (54-60 hours)

Courses within Program Work Role: Introduction to HS/RCS Practice (24-30 hours) Home Management Skills (24-30 hours) Practical Experience (300-360 hours)

Learning Outcomes Practice within continuing care settings in a professional, ethical and legal manner Utilize a caring, problem-solving approach to provide resident or client assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being of the resident/client and family Assist residents/clients to maintain independent function within their capabilities

Learning Outcomes Communicate effectively with residents, clients, families, and other health team members Perform selected care-giving and home management skills safely and in an organized manner Recognize own beliefs, values and standards as they impact on job responsibilities and personal well-being Perform the job in a responsible and accountable manner

Delivery Options Varies from college to college Most offer full-time programs, some offer part-time

Number of Graduates per Year Program intakes vary from 12 – 36 students, once or twice a year LOTS!!

Prior Learning Assessment Availability PLA is available is in most colleges

Salaries upon Graduation Approximately $20 per hour in residential care (Hospital Employee’s Union) Approximately $12 - $16 per hour in home support

Career Opportunities Changes within the health care setting are causing unrest Assisted living opportunities continue to increase Emerging role in acute care