Provides limited patient care under the direction of nursing staff.

• Assists patients with their personal care needs such as showering, dressing and eating
• Assists patients with their mobility and communication needs
• Participates in planning the care of individuals
• Follows therapy plans such as interventions to assist those with dementia and behavioural problems
• Observes and reports changes in patients' conditions, and reports complaints about care
• Assists with rehabilitation exercises; provides basic treatment and delivery of medications

• Employees work inside public and private hospitals, rest homes and other health care facilities. Employees usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other health care professional
• Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated also clean and well-maintained
• Shift work is normal

• Medium to very heavy physical demand level
• Employees walk and stand frequently to constantly. Sitting is occasionally required
• Stretching and reaching is frequently required, especially when making beds and carrying out other nursing or care tasks. In some situations there will be a need to assist individual clients physically
• Squatting or crouching may be necessary when communicating and working with patients. Twisting of the body or neck may occur on an occasional basis especially with some tasks associated with moving patients
• Contact with skin irritants or water may be necessary on an occasional basis and there may be physical contact with people who have infectious conditions. Protective equipment such as gloves, however, should be available
• Heavy lifting, pulling, carrying or pushing is occasionally required in relation to the moving of patients.
• Bending is occasionally required to lift items or people
• Repetitive movements may be required on an occasional basis to perform therapeutic activities or to enter data into a computer or making notes.
• Hand tools used will include hospital/medical and office equipment
• Mental skills necessary include a good level of listening, communication, health care and practical skills

• For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be all that is necessary (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). A First Aid Certificate may be required.
• Making application to work in this role is likely to involve a police background check.
• Some employers prefer applicants who have, or are working towards, a relevant qualification such as the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Health Assistants).

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.