Hospital Job Descriptions

Hospitals offer a variety of job opportunities from administrative to janitorial. The medical staff makes up a large percentage of the work force, but the administrative and support staffs are equally necessary to a hospital's overall ability to function.

Types

The job description for a doctor or a nurse has many layers of responsibility, depending upon the person's level of experience and training. Doctors begin as interns while they are in medical school, and must become residents before they perform in a less supervised capacity. A nurse can be a RN, LPN, CRNA, or CNS depending on his level of training. The administrative staff includes department managers, insurance clerks, secretaries and everyone up to and including the chief of staff who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hospital. Clinical support staff includes dietitians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and lab technicians.

Function

Job descriptions for medical staff revolve around the care and well-being of the patient. Doctors, nurses, and therapists with all levels of experience have one common goal--taking care of the patient. In a hospital, the nurses and their assistants carry the brunt of daily patient care with the doctors generally dropping by once every 24 hours, or more as needed. The nurses and their assistants interact closely with each patient, taking care of every detail from getting an extra pillow to administering their medication. Depending on the reason for your hospital visit, various therapists may be involved in the recovery process. Physical therapists will help you exercise, radiation therapists will administer radiation. Administrative duties include managing human resources, accounting, and inventory. Non-clinical support staff duties include food preparation and delivery, cleaning, information technology and reception.

Significance

Specific job descriptions are essential to a hospital for prioritizing responsibility. You wouldn't want your nurse's aid deciding which pain pill you need, nor would you want your doctor taking time to prepare your breakfast. In order for the hospital to function efficiently and with the least amount of liability, every member of the medical staff, the support staff and the administration has unambiguous responsibilities when it comes to patient involvement.

Features

All job descriptions should include a position title, supervisor, general outline of the tasks involved, position summary, qualifications, work standards, physical demands and working conditions.

Benefits

The main benefit of a precise job description is to outline accountability and duties. As a patient, you know that the nice person delivering your meal tray will not likely be the same person who will prep you for surgery. Clear expectations for the hospital staff help avoid confusion and lead to a more productive team.

Resources

• Sample Job Description