Orderlies Career Profile

Picture this: A bustling hospital where patients need to be safely moved between departments for various procedures, while maintaining strict hygiene standards. That’s where orderlies come in.

Think about being the person who ensures a post-surgery patient is carefully transported from the operating room to their recovery room, providing them comfort and security during a vulnerable moment.

Orderlies are healthcare support professionals who transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. They may maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Orderlies are the backbone of healthcare facility operations.

They combine physical stamina with compassionate care to keep healthcare facilities running smoothly and safely.

Total Employment: 48,710 (2023)

Common Names for Orderlies

• Attendant
• Operating Room Assistant
• Orderly
• Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
• Patient Care Technician (PCT)
• Patient Escort
• Patient Transporter
• Radiology Transporter
• Transporter

What Orderlies Do

Orderlies are healthcare support workers who focus on patient transport and facility maintenance. Their core responsibilities include:

• Patient Transport: Safely move patients between rooms, departments, and service areas using appropriate equipment and transfer techniques to ensure timely access to medical care.
• Basic Patient Care: Assist with routine patient comfort needs including positioning, turning, and basic hygiene to support patient dignity and prevent complications from immobility.
• Equipment Management: Clean, organize, and maintain medical equipment and supplies to ensure a safe, sanitary environment and immediate availability when needed.
• Safety & Cleanliness: Monitor and maintain clean, orderly patient rooms and treatment areas to prevent infections and provide a therapeutic environment.
• Communication Support: Relay important patient observations and requests to nursing staff to ensure continuous quality care and prompt response to patient needs.
• Physical Assistance: Help patients with limited mobility perform essential movements and activities to support their recovery and prevent injury to both patient and staff.
• Supply Management: Stock and inventory medical supplies, linens, and essential items to maintain efficient department operations and immediate access to necessary materials.
• Emergency Response: Assist healthcare team during emergency situations by following established protocols to support rapid, effective patient care when needed.