Orderlies

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 0 (0%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 24 (100%)

• Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Carry messages or documents between departments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Collect and transport infectious or hazardous waste in closed containers for sterilization or disposal, in accordance with applicable law, standards, or policies.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Collect soiled linen or trash.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Provide physical support to patients to assist them to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Separate collected materials for disposal, recycling, or reuse, in accordance with environmental policies.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Restrain patients to prevent violence or injury or to assist physicians or nurses to administer treatments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn or reposition bedridden patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Take and record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stock utility rooms, nonmedical storage rooms, or cleaning carts with supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Transport bodies to the morgue.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Serve or collect food trays.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about orderlies and AI