Typical Tasks
Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
Answer patients' calls and determine how to assist them.
Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.
Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
Collect samples, such as blood, urine, or sputum from patients, and perform routine laboratory tests on samples.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Social
Working with people
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Self-Control
What key skills are needed for this job?
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Expected Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Common Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
