Hospital porters are responsible for the moving of patients on stretchers, trolleys, beds and wheelchairs between different locations in the hospital.
Patients need to be moved from the ambulance into the hospital and between the wards operating theatres, delivery rooms and the X-ray section. Hospital porters also need to move patients who have just undergone surgery and are often still anaesthetized, from operating tables to trolleys and then to beds. This requires care and practice.
It is also the responsibility of hospital porters to ensure that trolleys are always made up with fresh linen and blankets and that equipment such as oxygen cylinders and cot sides are available. Hospital porters generally work three shifts, alternating between morning, afternoon and night shifts and are also expected to work over weekends.
Satisfying Aspects
- being able to assist the sick
- doing a job that involves a variety of tasks
- dealing with people
Demanding aspects
- working shifts
- working long hours during emergencies, such as bomb blasts, collapsed buildings, floods, mudslides, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.
- working very hard with little rest during festive seasons and long weekends, especially if the hospital is under-staffed
Requirements
A hospital porter should:
- be friendly and helpful;
- inspire confidence;
- be neat and orderly;
- be responsible;
- possess physical strength and be fit;
- be willing to work long hours as well as weekends and public holidays.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Porters receive in-service training, at first for a probation period according to the hospital's policy and then in a permanent post. It is also every worker's right to sign a service contract.
Employer
- Hospitals
- Clinics
Contact
The nearest hospital or clinic in your area