1. Common Noun: This is the most common usage, referring to a person who is receiving medical treatment.
Example: "The patient was recovering well after surgery."
2. Adjective: "Patient" can also be an adjective describing someone who is able to wait calmly without complaining.
Example: "She was a patient teacher who never lost her temper."
So, to determine the type of noun, look at how it's used in the sentence. If it's describing a person receiving medical care, it's a common noun. If it's describing a personality trait, it's an adjective.