Challenges Of Hospital Housekeeping: An Insider's Perspective

Hospital housekeepers are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitization, and sterility of patient rooms, surgery rooms, public areas, and more. It is a physically demanding job that requires attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to stand for long periods. Housekeepers may also be responsible for removing medical waste and handling biohazardous material. While there are no specific qualifications required, prior experience in housekeeping or caretaking is beneficial. Housekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for patients and are considered the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. However, they may often feel underpaid and undervalued for their essential contributions.

The importance of hospital housekeeping

Housekeeping in hospitals is essential to maintaining the sterility, sanitation, and safety of patient rooms, work areas, hallways, and offices. Hospital housekeepers, also known as Environmental Services Technicians (EVS Techs), play a crucial role in ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. They are responsible for a range of tasks, including cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, emptying trash cans, making beds, removing medical waste, and ensuring compliance with state and federal cleanliness codes.

Additionally, hospital housekeeping provides job stability and opportunities for growth and advancement. Hospitals typically operate 24/7, offering flexible schedules and various shift options. This flexibility can benefit those with non-traditional work requirements or those balancing work and personal commitments. Housekeeping positions often provide competitive compensation packages, including health benefits, retirement plans, and other perks. Furthermore, hospitals often offer training and development programs, allowing housekeepers to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as infection control, safety procedures, and the use of specialized cleaning equipment.

Lastly, hospital housekeeping contributes to a sense of community and teamwork within the hospital setting. Housekeepers are an essential part of the interprofessional cooperation and teamwork that are crucial to modern hospital medicine. They work alongside a diverse range of healthcare professionals, gaining exposure to medical terminology, procedures, and best practices. This dynamic learning environment can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in contributing to patient care and the overall functioning of the hospital.

In conclusion, hospital housekeeping plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of hospitals. It impacts patient well-being, supports the work of healthcare staff, and provides a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities for advancement. The dedication and attention to detail of hospital housekeepers are essential to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

Qualifications and experience

Hospital housekeeping is a crucial role, as it ensures the sanitization, sterilization, and cleanliness of patient rooms, hallways, offices, restrooms, work areas, and waiting rooms. Housekeepers are often referred to as 'Environmental Services (EVS) Technicians', which reflects their broad range of responsibilities.

There are no specific qualifications required to become a hospital housekeeper. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior work experience in housekeeping, caretaking, or even a kitchen role can be beneficial. Emphasizing your attention to detail, communication skills, and understanding of proper cleaning procedures during the hiring process can increase your chances of being selected.

As a hospital housekeeper, you will typically work in patient rooms, cleaning bathrooms, bedrooms, public areas, and toilets. Some hospitals may have a 'hotel' part where families of patients can stay, and your duties will include ensuring the cleanliness of these areas. You may be assigned a specific section or rounds to clean and will work with codes to determine the type of cleaning required for each room.

Housekeeping supervisors, who coordinate the janitors and housekeepers, usually require several years of experience in the field before applying for this position. They are responsible for organizing the housekeeping and janitorial staff, ensuring the availability of cleaning supplies, and managing the hiring and termination of staff in their department. Supervisors must have a thorough understanding of hospital cleaning procedures and the use of all basic cleaning equipment.

The length of your service as a hospital housekeeper and the skillset you develop over time can lead to higher pay and increased job opportunities. Hospital housekeepers with extensive experience and attractive skillsets are often valued candidates in the job market.

Daily tasks

Hospital housekeepers, also known as Environmental Services Technicians or EVS Techs, are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, sterility, and sanitation of various areas in a hospital, including patient rooms, hallways, offices, restrooms, work areas, and waiting rooms. While the specific duties may vary depending on the hospital and department, here is an overview of the daily tasks typically performed by hospital housekeepers:

Patient Room Cleaning: Patient rooms are a top priority for hospital housekeepers. Daily tasks include sanitizing windows, windowsills, floors, tables, telephones, telephone cords, bed trays, and restrooms. Housekeepers also make beds, change linens, and ensure the overall tidiness of the room. They pay close attention to infection control by promptly addressing any blood or bathroom accidents and safely disposing of hazardous waste materials. Additionally, housekeepers may assist patients with non-medical requests, such as providing extra pillows, propping them up in bed, or even laundering soiled personal items.

Public Area Maintenance: Hospital housekeepers are assigned sections or rounds in public areas, including hallways, lobbies, and toilets. They ensure these areas are clean, clear of debris or spills, and presentable for visitors and staff. This includes tasks like sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and removing trash. Housekeepers also play a crucial role in infection control by identifying and disposing of exposed needles and potential hazards like paperclips on the floor.

Specialized Departments: Certain hospital departments, such as emergency rooms or operating rooms, require more specialized cleaning and maintenance. Housekeepers in these areas must follow specific protocols and may use colour-coded systems to indicate the type of cleaning required for each room. They work closely with medical staff to ensure the rooms are sterile and ready for medical procedures.

Hospitality Areas: Some hospitals have dedicated hospitality areas or accommodations for patient families. Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning these areas, which may include bedrooms and bathrooms, similar to hotel housekeeping. They ensure the comfort and satisfaction of families during their stay.

Inspection and Supervision: Hospital housekeepers may also take on supervisory roles, coordinating and inspecting the work of janitors and other housekeeping staff. They ensure that all areas meet the hospital's sanitation standards and retrain staff if necessary. Supervisory positions often require prior experience in the field and a thorough understanding of hospital cleaning procedures.

Team Collaboration: Hospital housekeepers work collaboratively with other hospital staff, including nurses, physicians, and healthcare assistants. They may participate in morning rounds, providing valuable information about patients and contributing to interprofessional cooperation. Housekeepers also play an essential role in patient care, often interacting with patients and offering support and compassion.

The daily tasks of a hospital housekeeper are diverse and challenging, requiring attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. While the work can be physically demanding, it is also rewarding, as housekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, sanitation, and overall patient experience in a healthcare setting.

Pay and working hours

The pay for hospital housekeepers varies depending on the hospital and location. The average hourly pay for hospital housekeepers is $11.33, but this can range from $9.82 to $19.13 depending on the hospital. For example, Spring Mountain Treatment Center pays an average of $15.00 per hour, while Hospital Housekeeping Systems (HHS) pays an average of $12.58 per hour. The lowest salaries for hospital housekeepers can generally be found in Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas, while the highest salaries can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois.

Some hospital housekeepers are paid by the hour, while others may be salaried employees. The average salary for a hospital housekeeper in the United States is $54,413 per year, with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $117,000. Hospital housekeepers may also be eligible for benefits, such as health insurance.

In terms of working hours, hospital housekeepers typically work during the day, but may also be required to work nights and weekends due to the 24/7 nature of hospital operations. Some hospital housekeepers may work part-time, averaging around 16-18 hours per week, while others may work full-time, with a standard 40-hour workweek. It is important for hospital housekeepers to be flexible with their working hours as the job can be unpredictable, with slow periods interspersed with sudden busy spells due to emergencies or unexpected appointments.

While the work of a hospital housekeeper can be physically demanding, some find it less strenuous than other housekeeping roles due to the premade beds and the absence of detailed cleaning requirements. Additionally, hospital housekeepers do not typically provide meals or refreshments to patients, as this is usually handled by healthcare assistants. However, there may be exceptions, such as in the dementia ward, where housekeepers may be involved in catering duties. Overall, the work of a hospital housekeeper is crucial in maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.

Career progression

While there are no standard minimum qualifications to become a hospital housekeeper, career progression within this field is possible. Hospital housekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. They ensure the sanitization, sterilization, and cleanliness of patient rooms, hallways, offices, restrooms, work areas, and waiting rooms.

Hospital housekeepers can progress in their careers by taking on more senior positions within the housekeeping department or exploring other areas within the hospital. Here are some potential career paths for hospital housekeepers:

Senior Housekeeping Positions

With further training and experience, hospital housekeepers can advance to supervisory or managerial roles within the housekeeping department. This may involve coordinating and inspecting the work of other housekeepers, ensuring that all cleanliness standards are met, and managing the supply of cleaning equipment. Some specific senior housekeeping roles include:

• Housekeeping supervisor: Organizing the housekeeping and janitorial staff, ensuring the availability of cleaning supplies, and overseeing the hiring and termination of staff.
• Domestic services team manager: A more senior position that involves managing a team of housekeepers and overseeing the overall housekeeping operations.

Clinical Support Roles

Hospital housekeepers can also transition into clinical support roles with additional training. They may take on some duties of a healthcare assistant, such as feeding patients, taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure and temperature, and even progressing to become a healthcare assistant or maternity support worker.

Facilities Management

Housekeepers may use their experience to move into facilities management roles, ensuring the overall upkeep and functionality of the hospital's facilities and services.

Clinical Roles

With further education and training, hospital housekeepers can even pursue clinical roles. They may apply to train as nurses or other healthcare professionals, leveraging their foundational knowledge of medical terminology and procedures gained through their housekeeping experience.

Overall, hospital housekeepers have a variety of career progression options, allowing them to advance within the housekeeping department or explore new areas of the hospital.

Frequently asked questions