Walking is certainly a big part of our orderlies’ roles and on an average day they can clock around 35,000 steps a day from around 1480 callouts.
What we often don’t think about is the emotional aspects of the orderly role and how they too play a part in our patients’ journey.
Mohiti Tonitara, Acting Operations Manager Non-Clinical Services, explains our orderlies can often be the first and last point of contact for our patients.
“They are the friendly smile that helps ease the patients nerves to and from theatre or a nerve-wracking medical test and also on discharge” says Mohiti Tonitara.
Bronson, one of our Orderly team says, “It’s satisfying to be able to talk to people and help calm their nerves especially the theatre patients – they’re pretty shaky – and they can often think we are the doctors and start asking us questions about surgery.”
Kara, another member of our orderly team, shares a knowing giggle with Bronson’s sentiments and explains “How we reassure and talk to patients in those scary moments is a big part of their experience. We are caring about that patient and feel a part of the patient care experience, “she says.
Loss of a patient is something orderlies deal with as well.
Our orderlies cover a lot of ground and meet a lot of people so there be quite an emotional part to the job.
“It can be hard like when we have a bereavement and I know I just took that guy for a test yesterday so that’s feels sad. It’s hard sometimes but there are good times as well – happy stories,” says Ric, Orderly at Middlemore Hospital.
Next time you see one of our orderlies in their grey shirts, send a smile their way – it might be the day they really need it, as we all do.
An orderly role is ideal for people who want an active role or students and others looking for an entry level role that helps them gain a good understanding of how of a hospital works.
https://careers.countiesmanukau.health.nz/working-here/job/view/?job=CMH202310162