How to become a Ward Assistant

Ward assistants help allied health professionals and staff in hospitals and other healthcare establishments with non-medical duties including housekeeping, food service and transportation, and ward, patient and office support.

Personal requirements for a Ward Assistant

Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to lift heavy objects
Caring and supportive attitude
Respect for the rights of others
Able to perform domestic duties efficiently
Good communication skills
Able to work as part of a team
Able to follow instructions

Education & Training for a Ward Assistant

You can work as a ward assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET course. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a ward assistant through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of a Ward Assistant

Ward assistants:

Make sure that an adequate supply of clean clothing and linen is available for patients and that soiled items are removed and cleaned
Assist in maintaining stocks of linen and non-medical supplies
Assist with lifting and turning patients and transporting them in wheelchairs or on movable beds
Clean rooms such as bathrooms, showers, utility rooms and offices, and clean interior windows
Mop and buff floors, vacuum carpets, remove rubbish and linen, and dust all areas
Clean equipment in the pan room such as pan trolleys, buckets, pans, bowls, suction bottles and tubing, commodes, wheelchairs, seats and rinse trays
Clean patients' lockers and tables
Distribute and collect food trays, check food orders and replenish refrigerator supplies
Accompany patients who are ready to be discharged to the central waiting area
Transport equipment, X-rays and patient records between wards, departments and theatres
Transport deceased patients from wards to the morgue
Assist in emergencies and patient restraint.

Tasks

Following therapy plans such as interventions to assist those with dementia and behavioural problems
Observing and reporting changes in patients' condition, and reporting complaints about care
Assisting patients with their mobility and communication needs
Assisting patients with their personal care needs such as showering, dressing and eating
Participating in planning the care of individuals
Providing direct support and assistance to therapists
Assisting with rehabilitation exercises, basic treatment and delivering medications

Working conditions for a Ward Assistant

Ward assistants work rostered shifts which include night and weekend work. They are on their feet for most of the day. In large hospitals, ward assistants may work in a particular department such as outpatients or maternity. In smaller institutions, they may assist in several or all departments.

Employment Opportunities for a Ward Assistant

Ward assistants work in public and private hospitals, aged-care facilities, hospices, some health clinics and after-care centres.

Specializations

Porter - Hospital

A porter - hospital collects and transports medical equipment and supplies such as clean linen and surgical tools. Porters perform various cleaning duties and do physical work such as shifting furniture, gas cylinders and other heavy objects.

Theatre Attendant/Orderly

A theatre attendant/orderly sterilises instruments, and checks that operating theatre lights and machinery are working correctly. They transport patients to and from operating theatres and may assist with minor tasks during operations.

Ward Assistant

Average age
48
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
40% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
57%
Employment Size
14,900
Employment by state
ACT: 1.1%
NSW: 35.0%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 21.7%
SA: 6.3%
TAS: 2.1%
VIC: 22.0%
WA: 11.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.1%
20-24: 10.3%
25-34: 21.5%
35-44: 18.8%
45-54: 24%
55-59: 12%
60-64: 7.9%
65 and Over: 3.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 13.8%
Bachelor degree: 14.4%
Below Year 10: 1.9%
Certificate III/IV: 39.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.6%
Year 10 and below: 10.8%
Year 11: 2.9%
Year 12: 14.5%
Years 11 & 10: 9.9%