What is a candy striper?

Originally known for their pastel stripped uniforms, candy-stripers are pretty much gone from most hospital scenes.

They were interns, almost always girls, often from local high schools, JC's and colleges, who worked for very little or no money doing marginally skilled medical support services (getting writing paper, cleaning up spills. finding a book for the patient to read, etc.). Candy stripers have mostly been replaced by MAs or Medical Assistants, who are certified and more trained, although are specifically not considered nurses, EMTs, psych techs, or the like.

While the traditional "candy-stripers" are gone, hospital volunteers are still known by that moniker and perform some of the same tasks: helping people find their way around the hospital, passing out reading material (magazines, books, etc) to patients and families, and performing many of the societal niceties medical personnel may not have time for in a busy hospital.

Many even still wear the pastel uniform.