Whatever your role, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide top-notch support to the individuals you care for.
In this article, we’ll explore eight indispensable skills that every healthcare worker needs in 2024 and beyond, and the free courses available from FuturU that’ll help you get them.
From the management of bed rails to conflict resolution, all of the skills shared here play a pivotal role in maintaining safety, dignity and quality of care. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your healthcare journey, these skills will empower you to navigate challenges effectively and provide compassionate, high-quality care.
Skills for healthcare professionals
Bed Rail Management
Get to grips with the skills needed to properly use and manage bed rails to provide support and prevent falls among the individuals you care for.
By the end of this 30 minute course, you will:
- Understand the basics of bed rails and the different types
- Know how to assess if a bed rail is needed
- Be able to conduct an appropriate risk assessment
- Have an awareness of the importance of bed rail maintenance.
Conflict Resolution
Understand the different types of conflict, how to identify the possibility of conflict and how to de-escalate conflict with our Conflict Resolution course.
By the end of this 70 minute course, you will be able to:
- Identify what causes conflict, and the different stages of a conflict
- Recognise the behavioural patterns of individuals during conflict
- Deal with different levels of conflict using verbal and non-verbal communication methods
- Recognise warning signals displayed by individuals involved in a conflict situation
- Summarise the methods and actions appropriate for different conflict situations
- Explain the use of ‘reasonable force’ as described in law.
This course also examines the importance of self-care and how you can support those involved in a conflict situation.
Continence Care Awareness
This 80 minute course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills relating to all aspects of continence health and offer advice to help you support individuals with dignity and respect.
You’ll learn what incontinence is and its different types, as well as the limitations it can bring to life. You’ll also gain an understanding of how the bladder and bowel work, and how to maintain a healthy bladder and bowel. This course also looks at how a catheter works, the hygiene aspects of supporting an individual with incontinence and the different care plans you can introduce depending on their needs.
De-escalation
Understanding how to effectively de-escalate a situation without having to restrain is a key skill every healthcare professional should have. In this 60 minute course, we’ll guide you through the positive behaviour approach to effective de-escalation, covering what is meant by distress behaviour and the common distress reactions to look out for. We’ll also help you understand empathy and sympathy and the key legislations you need to know.
Equality, Diversity & Human Rights
Irrespective of their background, culture or community, every individual should have and deserves equal access to the very best care that meets their needs. And that’s why having a solid understanding of equality, diversity and human rights is so important.
Ensure that the care you provide is fair and that individuals aren’t discriminated against in any way with our Equality, Diversity & Human Rights course.
By the end of this 60 minute course, you will:
- Understand what the terms equality, diversity, inclusion and discrimination mean, and the know difference between direct and indirect discrimination
- Recognise the importance of protected human rights
- Be aware of the importance of language and communication
- Be able to identify legislation that supports equality and diversity
- Understand your responsibilities to promote change.
Food Hygiene in Care
Bacteria, viruses and parasites can pose very real and significant risks in a healthcare setting, and especially in food-related environments. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain stringent standards in the kitchen and when handling food.
Get to grips with the strict protocols relating to food handling and kitchen hygiene in a care setting with our Food Hygiene in Care course.
This 50 minute course covers:
- The laws and legislations relating to food safety you need to know
- The different bacterias, viruses and parasites found in food, and the consequences of foodborne disease
- What cross-contamination means and how to prevent it
- How to maintain high levels of personal hygiene and cleanliness
- Safe food temperatures and allergens
- The risks and management of pests in food storage, preparation and handling.
Health, Safety and Welfare in Care
Minimise the risk of harm to yourself and others with our Health, Safety and Welfare in Care course.
In this 60 minute course you’ll learn about your own responsibilities relating to health and safety in the workplace, as well as the responsibilities of others. You’ll also gain an understanding of the procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illnesses, and what can and can’t be done without training in relation to administering medications. Finally, you’ll learn what constitutes a hazardous substance as well as what secure working means and what you need to be aware of when working in different situations.
Moving & Handling Inanimate Objects
The safe and effective handling of individuals and equipment is an essential skill for anyone working within the healthcare sector. And in this course, we’ll equip you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need to move and handle inanimate objects safely in hospitals, clinics and care homes, as well as in your everyday life.
In this 60 minute course, you’ll cover moving and handling best practices and risk control strategies, as well as the hazards of lifting in a restricted space and during team handling. You’ll also learn about the common causes of handling, lifting and carrying injuries, and the relevant laws relating to moving and handling.
Are you ready to enhance your skills? Begin your learning journey – unlock these courses and over 100 more on the free FuturU app.
