What is a hospital support worker job?
A hospital support worker job is a role in the healthcare industry that involves supporting healthcare professionals and patients in a hospital setting. Hospital support workers are responsible for carrying out a wide range of tasks that are essential for the smooth running of a hospital. They work alongside nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide patient care and ensure that the hospital is operating efficiently.
What do hospital support workers usually do in this position?
Hospital support workers perform a variety of tasks, including:
1. Assisting patients with their daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
2. Transporting patients to different areas of the hospital.
3. Cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment.
4. Maintaining the cleanliness of patient rooms and hospital common areas.
5. Providing support to healthcare professionals during medical procedures.
6. Assisting with administrative tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling appointments.
Top 5 skills for the position:
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Compassion
- Physical stamina
- Teamwork
How to become a hospital support worker?
To become a hospital support worker, the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some hospitals may require additional training or certification, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. CNA certification typically requires completing a state-approved nursing assistant program and passing a competency exam.
Average salary:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants, a similar role to hospital support worker, was $30,830 as of May 2020.
Roles and types:
Hospital support worker roles vary depending on the hospital and the specific needs of the patients. Some common types of hospital support worker roles include:
1. Nursing assistant: A nursing assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
2. Patient care technician: A patient care technician performs routine tasks to assist patients with their daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing.
3. Orderly: An orderly transports patients to different areas of the hospital and assists with patient care as needed.
Locations with the most popular jobs in USA:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels for nursing assistants include California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
What are the typical tools?
Hospital support workers use a variety of tools and equipment, including:
1. Medical carts for transporting supplies and equipment.
2. Patient lift systems for safely moving patients.
3. Medical beds and mattresses for patient comfort.
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for infection control.
5. Cleaning supplies for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in patient rooms and hospital common areas.
In conclusion:
Hospital support worker jobs are essential for the smooth running of hospitals and the provision of quality patient care. These roles require a range of skills, including attention to detail, communication, compassion, physical stamina, and teamwork. To become a hospital support worker, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, although additional training or certification may be required depending on the hospital. The average salary for hospital support workers is around $30,830 per year, and the most popular job locations in the USA include California, Texas, and New York. Hospital support workers use a variety of tools and equipment, including medical carts, patient lift systems, medical beds, PPE, and cleaning supplies.