What Is a Patient Attendant and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Is the Job of a Patient Attendant?
As a patient attendant, you assist patients in a hospital, homecare settings, or wherever needed, while reporting care details to a supervisor. Your responsibilities include helping patients with basic grooming needs, dressing, and medication administration. You make observations on the physical, emotional, and mental conditions of the patient, reporting this to the patient’s physicians as appropriate. You document and report the ongoing status and any needs the patient requires.
How Can I Become a Patient Attendant?
Becoming a patient attendant does not require formal education, though employers do prefer candidates with at least an associate degree in a related field, and require prior experience in health care. You must understand and apply infection control to protect patients and other staff members. You should be comfortable working with various disabilities and health issues and have a high level of compassion. Other qualifications include knowledge of housekeeping duties, emergency response procedures, ability to multitask, and strong interpersonal skills. Good judgment and a positive attitude are essential for this role.
