Online learning resource for Health Care Assistants updated

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has released a new version of its ‘First Steps’ online learning resource for Health Care Assistants.

First Steps is used by up to 1000 people a day and was originally launched in 2011 for use either as an individual learning resource or as part of a workplace induction.

Tanis Hand, RCN Professional Lead for Health Care Assistants (HCAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs), said: “We know that there is a real lack of learning resources for health care assistants. This is one of very few that’s quality assured, plus it’s free and open to anyone to access.”

The new version of First Steps includes more topics, additional information on caring for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities and has better tablet and smart phone access.

In addition, First Steps now maps to the codes of conduct and standards in all the UK countries and enables learners to record their reflections at the end of each topic. The reflections can be entered in diary form and used to build a portfolio of learning.

Pictured: Tanis Hand (left) and Candace Miller, Director of the National Skills Academy for Health (right) at the recent First Steps launch event.