Dispatch Attendant

**Job Description Summary**

Responsible for safe transport of patients, dispatch services and appropriate documentation of services. Under the direction of the Manager/Environmental Services & Dispatch, the dispatch attendant will function within the guidelines of South Shore Health & Educational Corporation's policies and procedures. He/she is responsible for the safe transport of patients via wheelchair or stretcher. He/she is responsible for carrying out dispatch services and the appropriate documentation of such services

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**

**1. Transports patients in a safe, timely manner.**

a. Picks up patients and transports to designated area within 18-20 minutes as noted in log.

**2. Is courteous and professional at all times.**

a. Transporters will maintain a professional, courteous attitude toward patient, co-workers and all departments daily.

**3. Transports lab specimens from all areas (lab, ambulatory, etc.).**

a. Lab specimens will be transported with universal precautions carried out.

**4. Transports blood and blood products.**

a. Universal precautions will prevail.

**5. Transports pharmacy and STAT medications as needed.**

a. Drugs will be delivered STAT to requesting units.

**6. In time of emergency, brings code cart.**

a. Immediately on hearing code 9 call, cart is brought to designated unit.

**7. Discharges patients following proper procedure (stop at Cashier).**

a. Upon notification of discharge, patient is safely brought to main entrance.

**8. Transports x-ray reports, medical records and all other equipment necessary, O2, etc.**

a. Safely handles gas cylinders and safely applies patient oxygen administration devices under direct Nursing supervision.
b. All medical records, x-ray, lab, etc., reports are brought to designated area as soon as possible.

**9. Answers the phone and dispatches services prioritizing needs of the nursing department.**

a. Answers calls within four rings with an average response time of 5-8 minutes.

**10. Logs calls appropriately as they come in over the computer.**

a. Each call is logged on daily log sheets immediately after received from computer.

**11. Attends mandatory in-services as required by South Shore Health & Educational Corporation. CPR certified.**

a. Biannually attendance at in-service mandatory; i.e., CPR.

**12. Clarifies instructions and asks guidance when necessary**

a. Transporters ask for clarification on each call as needed.

**13. Accurately informs departments of patient departure and return to unit.**

a. Informs departments of patient departure as soon as possible.

**14. Procures needed supplies and equipment as needed in a cost-effective manner.**

a. Supplies necessary for the running of the department are procured daily and weekly as necessary.

**15. Monitors the safety of the behavior management patient.**

a. Checks for Blue for Behavior bar on patient room placard.
b. Places medical record (chart) in Blue bag for travel.

**16. Assists with maintaining a safe, clean and orderly patient environment.**

**17. Maintains on-going communication with the nurse assigned to the patient.**

**JOB REQUIREMENTS**

**Minimum Education - Preferred**
High school graduate preferred.
**Minimum Work Experience**
Previous hospital experience preferred.
**Required additional Knowledge and Abilities**

Ability to move or lift patients and equipment.