Orderlies

Career summary

Orderlies lift and move patients on or off beds, exam tables, or stretchers. They also transport patients between units or rooms.  They help patients get in and out of wheelchairs. They may help patients perform daily living tasks, such as getting out of bed, using the toilet, bathing, and walking. Sometimes orderlies may restrain patients to prevent injury or to assist physicians and nurses. Some orderlies may take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse.

Orderlies keep equipment and supplies clean, sterilized, and stocked. They document any needed repairs and maintenance. They may change soiled linens, such as bedsheets and drapes. They clean patient rooms, bathrooms, and other areas patients use. Orderlies often transport medical equipment between rooms and departments.

Orderlies collect and transport infectious or hazardous waste. They dispose of it safely, in keeping with all standards and laws. They also transpots specimens and lab items to the proper medical worker. Orderlies may also deliver messages between departments.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Ambulance Drivers
• Dental Assistants
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Flight Attendants
• Home Health Aides
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Assistants
• Nursing Assistants
• Pharmacy Aides
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Psychiatric Aides
• Veterinary Assistants

Military careers

• Medical Care Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to orderlies.

• Lift or help others when moving patients from beds, tables, and stretchers.
• Transport patients between rooms or units.
• Sterilize and clean patient rooms, equipment, and supplies.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Change soiled linens. Properly dispose of hazardous waste.
• Transport specimens, making sure they are properly delivered.
• Help patients with daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, dressing, and bathing.
• Restrain patients to prevent violence or injury.
• May take and record vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure.
• Carry messages between departments.
• Turn and reposition patients.
• Keep supplies stocked and organized.

Common work activities

Orderlies perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Process information
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform for or work with the public

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, orderlies:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high level of social interaction. They communicate with patients and other medical workers in person or by telephone throughout their day.
• Work as part of a team of medical professionals.
• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Are regularly placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work very near others. They come in physical contact with patients throughout the day.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, diseases, and infections.
• Wear safety gear such as latex gloves and masks on a daily basis. May wear specialized gear to protect themselves.
• Sometimes get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.

Work performance

• Must be very careful when performing the job. Errors can seriously impact patient health.
• Make decisions every day that seriously impact patients and coworkers.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals independently, although they do receive input from a supervisor. They often have to react to situations quickly.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.
• Sometimes must match pace with the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Work a set schedule.
• May work part- or full-time.

Physical demands

Orderlies frequently:

• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for orderlies to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for orderlies to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

Skills and abilities

Orderlies need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Health Aide
• Nursing Assisting

Other programs of study to consider

• Chiropractic Assisting
• Licensed Practical Nursing
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Assisting
• Psychiatric Technology
• Sterile Processing Technology

Training

To work as an orderly, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Orderly jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Most orderlies receive training on the job. Training may last up to a month. You learn to help patients with wheelchairs, clean equipment and facilities, and stock supplies.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical care technicians. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Medical Office
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. They look for workers who can relate well to patients, families, volunteers, and other staff. A genuine interest in, and a positive attitude about, working with patients and the elderly is important. The ability to read, write, speak,and understand English is also important.

#Pulled most content from job announcements on US Jobs website for positions that were for orderly type rather than NAC jobs, 10/31/16 cj.

Costs to workers

Orderlies need to have comfortable shoes and may also need to buy uniforms. Some facilities allow workers to wear lab coats over their street clothes.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and by level of experience and responsibility.

Depending on the employer, orderlies who work full time may receive health insurance, paid leave, and a retirement plan. However, many jobs are part time and not all employers offer benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Nursing and personal care facilities
• Hospitals
• Residential care homes

National outlook

Demand is about average for this occupation. Growth is mainly due to the increase in the aging population. Conditions such as dementia lead to a need for orderlies. The strongest demand for orderlies will be at residential care homes.

Many job openings will occur as people leave the occupation. This is a physically-demanding job and some people leave to find better paying jobs.

Other resources

Explore Health Careers: Nurses Aide/Nursing Assistant 

Washington State Nurses Association 
575 Andover Park West
Suite 101
Tukwila, WA 98188
206.575.7979
800.231.8482

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Orderlies (31-1015.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Orderly (355.674-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled