General Duty Assistant (GDA)

About

General Duty Assistant (GDA)

A General Duty Assistant (GDA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of nurses and other medical staff. GDAs are essential members of the healthcare team, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, where they assist with various tasks to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients.

The responsibilities of a General Duty Assistant typically include:

Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding.

Helping patients with mobility, such as transferring from bed to wheelchair or assisting with walking.

Monitoring and recording vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate.

Assisting nurses and physicians with medical procedures, such as wound care, catheterization, and specimen collection.

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in patient rooms and common areas.

Providing emotional support and companionship to patients.

Responding to patient calls and requests for assistance.

Following proper infection control protocols and safety measures.

To become a General Duty Assistant, individuals typically undergo training programs that cover topics such as basic patient care, medical terminology, infection control, first aid, and communication skills. After completing the training, GDAs may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare settings.

Overall, General Duty Assistants play a crucial role in providing quality care and support to patients, contributing to the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities.