What is a hospital porter?

A hospital porter is a person employed in a hospital or other healthcare facility who is responsible for transporting patients and medical supplies, cleaning patient rooms and other areas of the hospital, and performing other general maintenance and housekeeping tasks. Hospital porters are also often responsible for providing basic patient care, such as delivering meals, changing linens, and assisting patients with ambulation.

The duties of a hospital porter can vary depending on the size and type of healthcare facility in which they work. In some hospitals, porters may be responsible for all of the above tasks, while in others, they may specialize in one or more areas. For example, some porters may be primarily responsible for transporting patients and supplies, while others may focus on cleaning patient rooms and other areas of the hospital.

Hospital porters play an important role in the smooth functioning of a healthcare facility. They help to ensure that patients are transported safely and efficiently, that patient rooms and other areas of the hospital are clean and sanitary, and that patients are provided with basic care.

To become a hospital porter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working in a healthcare setting. They must also be able to pass a background check and a physical exam. Some employers may also require porters to have CPR and first aid certification.

Hospital porters typically earn an hourly wage, which may vary depending on their experience and the type of healthcare facility in which they work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospital porters earned a median annual wage of $33,240 in May 2022.