What is a Healthcare Support Worker Job?
Healthcare support worker jobs are positions in the medical field that involve providing assistance to healthcare professionals in providing care to patients. These roles can vary widely and may include working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other medical facilities. Depending on the specific position, healthcare support workers may perform a variety of tasks, such as helping patients with daily activities, monitoring their vital signs, and assisting with medical procedures.
What Usually Do in This Position
Healthcare support workers typically work under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as nurses or doctors, to assist with patient care. The specific duties of the job can vary depending on the setting and the needs of the patients. Some common tasks may include helping patients with personal care, such as bathing and dressing, monitoring their vital signs, providing emotional support, and assisting with medical procedures. Healthcare support workers may also be responsible for maintaining patient records and communicating with other members of the healthcare team.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Communication skills: Effective communication is essential in healthcare support worker jobs to ensure that patients receive proper care and that the healthcare team is working together effectively.
- Empathy: Healthcare support workers must be compassionate and understanding, as they often work with patients who are experiencing illness or injury.
- Attention to detail: Paying close attention to patients' needs and medical records is crucial in healthcare support worker jobs to ensure that they receive the proper care.
- Physical stamina: Healthcare support workers may need to lift and move patients, so physical strength and stamina are essential.
- Flexibility: Healthcare support workers must be adaptable and able to work in a variety of settings and situations.
How to Become a Healthcare Support Worker
To become a healthcare support worker, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some positions may also require additional training or certification, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA) certification. These certifications can be obtained through vocational schools or community colleges and typically require both classroom and clinical training. Prior experience in healthcare or customer service may also be beneficial in obtaining a healthcare support worker job.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for healthcare support workers was $29,640 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific job and location.
Roles and Types
There are a variety of roles and types of healthcare support worker jobs available. Some common positions include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Medical Assistants (MAs), Home Health Aides (HHAs), and Patient Care Technicians (PCTs). These positions may involve working in different settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or in patients' homes.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
Healthcare support worker jobs are in demand across the United States, but some locations have a higher concentration of these positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment level in this field are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
What Are the Typical Tools
Healthcare support workers may use a variety of tools and equipment to assist with patient care. Some common tools include blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and electronic medical records systems. Depending on the specific job, healthcare support workers may also use medical equipment such as oxygen tanks, nebulizers, or catheters.
In Conclusion
Healthcare support worker jobs are an important part of the medical field, providing crucial assistance to healthcare professionals in providing care to patients. These roles require strong communication skills, empathy, attention to detail, physical stamina, and flexibility. With the right training and education, healthcare support workers can find fulfilling careers in a variety of settings and locations across the United States.