Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants - 31-1012.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties, such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Certified Medication Technician
  • Nurse Assistant
  • Nurse, Practical
  • Orderly

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

31-1011.00 Home Health Aides
31-1012.00 Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
31-1013.00 Psychiatric Aides

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Administer medications and treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, and douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.
  • Answer patients' call signals.
  • Answer phones and direct visitors.
  • Bathe, groom, shave, dress, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.
  • Clean rooms and change linens.
  • Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum.
  • Deliver messages, documents and specimens.
  • Explain medical instructions to patients and family members.
  • Feed patients who are unable to feed themselves.
  • Maintain inventory by storing, preparing, sterilizing, and issuing supplies such as dressing packs and treatment trays.
  • Observe patients' conditions, measuring and recording food and liquid intake and output and vital signs, and report changes to professional staff.
  • Perform clerical duties such as processing documents and scheduling appointments.
  • Prepare, serve, and collect food trays.
  • Provide patient care by supplying and emptying bed pans, applying dressings and supervising exercise routines.
  • Provide patients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed.
  • Restrain patients if necessary.
  • Set up equipment such as oxygen tents, portable x-ray machines, and overhead irrigation bottles.
  • Transport patients to treatment units, using a wheelchair or stretcher.
  • Turn and reposition bedridden patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
  • Work as part of a medical team that examines and treats clinic outpatients.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer enemas, irrigations, or douches to patients
  • administer medications or treatments
  • assist patient in walking or exercising
  • assist patient with dressing, undressing, grooming, or bathing
  • change linen
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • collect specimens from patients
  • feed patients
  • follow dental or medical office procedures
  • instruct patient in use of supportive device
  • instruct patients in methods to improve functional activities
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • lift or transport ill or injured patients
  • maintain dental or medical records
  • observe patient condition
  • position patient for therapy
  • prepare medical treatment room
  • prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments
  • set up patient care equipment
  • take vital signs
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use massage therapy procedures
  • use respiratory equipment
  • weigh patients
  • work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses