Patient attendants, also referred to as orderlies, provide hygiene care to patients (bathing, dressing, shaving, etc.) and accompany them in their daily routine. They help the elderly, the sick and the disabled with their daily movements, distribute meals, make beds and ensure the cleanliness of the rooms. In a hospital or long-term care residence, they may also be responsible for taking blood pressure, taking temperatures and pulse rates, and recording this information in the patient’s chart. This is an essential but rewarding job that requires physical fitness, patience and listening skills. A job as an orderly requires dedication, good judgment and the ability to take initiative.