No environment requires more cleanliness than that of a hospital.
The fear of infections from hospital waste and other sources is enough to force a hospital’s administration to hire many people for housekeeping services.
Hospital housekeepers maintain an infection-free environment throughout the hospital.
They make beds, handle waste and replenish linen along with a bevy of other housekeeping duties.
Moreover, they clean patient rooms, surgical units, administrative offices, and restroom several times a day to keep infection and disease at bay.
Besides, they polish the furniture, vacuum carpets, and distribute clean linen and hospital gowns in their assigned areas.
Another essential task of a hospital housekeeper is to empty trash receptacles, a duty in which they need to be extra careful.
Surgical waste is the cause of many diseases which is why hospital housekeepers are trained in removing it with care and responsibility.
Related: Hospital Housekeeping Resume Sample
Each hospital will have a different set of duties for the hospital housekeepers, but basic responsibilities remain the same in all hospital environments.
Hospital Housekeeping Duties and Responsibilities
- Clean hospital floors and surfaces using predefined cleaning methods and procedures.
- Mix appropriate quantities of cleaning liquids and chemicals in accordance with state safety regulations.
- Dust, mop, and sweep patients’ rooms, nurses and surgical units, and administrative offices.
- Make beds using clean and disinfected linen and replenish supplies such as towels, blankets, soaps, and shampoos.
- Clean and disinfect patients’ bathrooms and public restrooms.
- Clean mirrors and windows.
- Polish fittings and fixtures.
- Collect soiled linen from patients’ rooms and deliver them to washing areas.
- Distribute clean linen and hospital / surgical gowns to appropriate floors.
- Take and address patients’ complaints regarding housekeeping services.
- Empty trash receptacles and ensure proper compaction of surgical waste according to hospital policies.
- Create and maintain an inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Inform the housekeeping supervisor of any cleaning equipment that may need repair or replacement.
- Inform the housekeeping supervisor about any building hazard and assist in addressing it.
- Maintain a clean and organized storage area for cleaning equipment and supplies.
- Iron, fold, and store clean laundry after tagging it with room numbers.
- Maintain adequate stock of cleaning supplies.
Education and Experience
Educational requirements for hospital housekeepers include a high school diploma at the very least. Some experience as a housekeeper or cleaner is desirable.
Skills and Abilities
- Good communication skills
- Physically dexterous
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Ability to take and follow instructions
- Customer service
- Ability to work without supervision
- Teamwork