Self-Check: Have What It Takes To Be A Direct Care Worker?

Direct care workers provide hands-on care and supervision to people who need help to achieve a better quality of life. As a caregiver, you may work with people who have developmental or physical disabilities. Although direct care workers provide help for their patients, they also encourage as much independence as possible. It takes a special person to be a direct care worker. They have challenging but rewarding jobs that are always in demand. 

What Do Direct Care Workers Do?

Direct care workers work in various settings, including private homes and long-term care facilities. Your job duties may be different every day, but some common responsibilities include:

• Helping your clients with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and personal care

• Assisting with cooking, shopping, meal preparation, and house cleaning

• Helping your clients develop the ability to complete tasks independently

• Teaching skills to clients with intellectual disabilities

What Are the Most Important Direct Care Worker Skills?

There is a high turnover rate among direct care workers because the work is demanding. For the right person, however, it's also gratifying. You'll make a tremendous difference in the lives of the people you help. Direct care workers need specific skills to perform their jobs effectively. To be a good direct care worker, you need to be:

Empathetic

Many people that you care for won't be able to do things for themselves because they're frail or in pain.

Attentive

You'll need to follow your patient's schedule and pay attention to the details. Giving patients their medicine on time is a big responsibility. If you make a mistake, you can harm your patient.

Strong

You don't need to be a bodybuilder, but you will be doing physical work that will require strength and stamina. You may have to lift or move patients, and you'll have to be on your feet for long hours.

Sensitive

Many patients will be embarrassed by needing help with personal care. Direct care workers need to be compassionate and able to put people at ease.

Certified

You should be certified in CPR to administer this lifesaving treatment in the event of an emergency.

How to Become a Direct Care Worker

If a career in direct care work interests you, you have many different options available. Consider your interests and goals when you're exploring your career path. You should also think about your strengths and skills. Many other healthcare fields need direct care workers. You'll increase your earning ability and chances of landing a good job by obtaining a certification from a reputable program such as MedCerts.

Becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician will teach you medical terminology, disease processes, and skills to help with minor procedures. You'll be qualified to work in a variety of settings to assist clinical providers in providing the best care for patients.

As a MedCerts student, you'll have access to one-on-one support and experiential learning during your program. You'll also have the support of our career center to help you with your job search when you finish your certification.