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How Do I Become an Orderly?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

To become an orderly, sometimes referred to as a nurse's assistant or nurse's aide, you must first meet a few general requirements. In most areas, you will need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma. You may also need to take a few specialized courses, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes or nursing assistant classes. Good communication skills, a clean criminal record, and excellent physical condition are also usually required.

Finishing high school is a requirement for most people who want to become an orderly. A high school diploma is usually mandatory. In most areas, the equivalent of a high school diploma may also be acceptable. For instance, in the United States, a person can usually become an orderly if he obtains a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

Other specialized classes may also be necessary before you become an orderly. CPR and first aid courses are usually required, for instance. These are considered the bare minimum, however, and additional courses may also be required in many areas.

CPR and first aid courses may be required of an orderly.
CPR and first aid courses may be required of an orderly.

Nursing assistant or nursing aide classes will greatly increase your chances of becoming a hospital orderly. In these classes, you will typically learn the basics of nursing. This can include such things as nursing ethics and good hygiene. You can usually enroll in these classes through your local community college or vocational center.

Some hospitals may also offer educational opportunities for individuals who wish to become hospital orderlies. In addition to learning nursing basics, an individual can also gain invaluable on-the-job training when enrolled in these types of courses. Many hospitals also employ hospital orderlies they have trained.

An orderly is a nursing assistant in a hospital.
An orderly is a nursing assistant in a hospital.

Communication skills are essential if you want to become a hospital orderly. Since orderlies work closely with patients and coworkers, it is important for them to be able to speak clearly and make themselves understood. Excellent listening skills are also necessary.

If you want to become a hospital orderly, you should also attempt to stay out of legal trouble. Most reputable medical facilities will run a background check on each potential employee. Applicants with criminal convictions will generally not be hired.

An orderly should be familiar with safety measures to avoid bloodborne pathogen exposure.
An orderly should be familiar with safety measures to avoid bloodborne pathogen exposure.

A person striving to become an orderly should also be in excellent mental and physical health. This can be a stressful job, and stress management techniques will often come in handy during your employment. Good physical condition is also important. An orderly's job description will usually involve standing on one's feet for extended periods of time. Frequent bending and lifting is also usually necessary.

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    • CPR and first aid courses may be required of an orderly.
      By: wellphoto
      CPR and first aid courses may be required of an orderly.
    • An orderly is a nursing assistant in a hospital.
      By: Sam Spiro
      An orderly is a nursing assistant in a hospital.
    • An orderly should be familiar with safety measures to avoid bloodborne pathogen exposure.
      By: Thomas Perkins
      An orderly should be familiar with safety measures to avoid bloodborne pathogen exposure.
    • Orderlies are employed in hospitals and other medical care settings.
      By: VILevi
      Orderlies are employed in hospitals and other medical care settings.
    • Nursing classes can help train someone who wants to become an orderly.
      By: mario beauregard
      Nursing classes can help train someone who wants to become an orderly.
    • Orderlies may be required to attending training on the proper hand hygiene techniques.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Orderlies may be required to attending training on the proper hand hygiene techniques.
    • An orderly is responsible for performing tasks that will enhance a patient's hospital stay.
      By: jeep5d
      An orderly is responsible for performing tasks that will enhance a patient's hospital stay.