Patient Transporter

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the PFM/Transport Supervisor or the Director of Transport Services, performs a variety of duties on both the Menino and East Newton Campus, including transporting patient, medical equipment, and specimens to and from areas within the hospital as assigned. In addition, this position is responsible to assist in the proper training and orientation of new hires and existing transport staff. This position is an integral part of the Safety Committee and is responsible to educate and monitor staff relative to safety policies and procedures with an emphasis on accident prevention.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Transports patients, specimens, equipment and related items and supplies safely and comfortably to and from areas within the hospital as assigned in a timely manner. Greets patients, families, visitors and staff in a friendly courteous positive customer service manner. Identifies self as a transporter. Encourages and maintains a teamwork environment of highly motivated Transporters.
• Hands-off patient to a caregiver. Verifies patient identification with patient and also by checking patient ID band. Obtains/verifies first and last name and medical record # and destination prior to transport.
• Picks up specimens from patient floors and clinic areas and transports to laboratories in properly sealed containers. Ensures specimens are delivered to appropriate lab accompanied by the appropriate requisition if required.
• Delivers patient equipment to areas. Retrieves/cleans equipment from designated areas. Cleans/places label "Equipment is Clean." Delivers broken equipment to the appropriate location for repair.
• Carries pager/radio/headset while on duty and responds to page or radio in a timely manner.
• Maintains in log all patient transports. Documents last and first name, time, destination etc., including specimens/equipment transported. Submits log to supervisor.
• Closes out trip, signs in/out for lunch and breaks thru automated IVR telephone system. Checks in via IVR automated system.
• Records an inventory count of equipment at the end of the day.
• Checks /inspects transport vehicle for safety prior to transport. Checks for cleanliness, sufficient oxygen for round trip, checks brakes, handrails, mattress, etc. Cleans if necessary.
• Performs all duties with a customer service focus. Represents the hospital and Nursing department in a professional, courteous manner in all dealings with other hospital employees, vendors, patients and visitors. Treats patients in a manner that preserves and protects patient autonomy, dignity, confidentiality, and patient rights.
• Responds to all requests for service through radio, telephone and personal contact. If unable to assist a patient/customer needed service, follows thru with request by contacting dispatcher or supervisor. Refers the request to the correct individual.
• Refers all unanswerable or unfulfilled requests for service to the supervisor and/or manager.
• Maintains cleanliness and neatness of work and lounge areas.
• Assists in hospital emergency disaster plans. Identifies emergency situations and initiates appropriate response actions within the scope of his/her role. Is familiar with area disaster plan and responsibilities.
• Completes department charge slips and records all transactions into computerized information system and file documents as required
• Request assistance from nurse/or aide in transferring/moving patient from wheelchair to stretcher or bed.
• Transports patients to the Morgue and to and from the Recovery Room.
• Performs dispatcher function as required.
• Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures. Follows infection control policies, cleans stretcher/wheelchair after transporting a patient with "precaution" status.
• Remains knowledgeable of and follows department policies and procedures.
• Complies with established practice standards, policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, and regulations, e.g., DPH, Joint Commission, Fire Codes, OSHA, etc.
• Completes annual mandatory educational requirements, e.g., safety regulation and infection control review, departmental and unit specific competencies, etc.
• Maintains a presentable appearance in accordance with dress code. Wears assigned uniform, pager and visible ID badge while on duty.
• Remains knowledgeable of and demonstrates reliability in regard to established work rules and policies such as hours of work, attendance, punctuality standards, work assignments etc.
• Assists in training and orientation of new and existing staff. Participates in monthly Safety Committee to ensure Transporters are trained in the safe performance of their duties. This includes but is not limited to: Safety orientation program, weekly safety meetings or Minders, monthly CHAT safety presentations, daily safety pep talks, safety signage, accident review, safety and personal protective equipment review, record keeping, etc.
• Ensures a clean and safe work environment through quality assurance inspection and reporting.
• Maintains equipment inventory and tracking reports. Completes quarterly 12-point safety inspection on all wheelchairs and stretchers to ensure that all equipment is safe for Patient use. Ensures that inventory levels are appropriate for service and makes par level recommendations to the Director for review.
• Monitor key service areas to ensure quality service is being provided by the Transport Department. This may be accomplished through surveys, rounding inspections and/or reporting procedures.
• Educates and promotes compliance with all safety procedures and regulations including but not limited to: HIPPA, OSHA, FCC, State/Local Government, JCAHO, Departmental/Hospital rules and regulations, Infection Controls such as PPE and Universal Precautions, proper body mechanics, etc.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer systems and applications such as Microsoft Office, and related software. Educates staff relative to the proper use of IVR system, pagers, two-way radios, phones and other equipment. Able to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and application issues with Information Systems Department.
• Ensures that department quality standards are consistently achieved; interacts with Nursing, Bed Control, and Support Departments in a collaborative effort to provide the highest quality service to all Patients, physicians, visitors and staff.
• Ensures that requests have been completed in an efficient, safe and timely manner according to current departmental standards, priorities and Patient schedules. Follows-up on issues related to service and operations.
• Builds effective teams and fosters open dialogue. Motivates staff to function as a team in achieving goals and maximum productivity. Participates in and encourages team building activities such as team and individual recognition programs for high achievement, departmental special occasions, holiday activities, sporting or "get-together" events, etc.
• Assists in the development and implementation of internal rewards and recognition programs designed to increase employee engagement and satisfaction. Assists in monitoring, measuring and sharing engagement scores with the department.
• Encourages and nurtures associate creativity and innovation within BMC. Supports diversity and equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all. Encourages staff to participate in education programs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires 6-12 months of experience as Patient Transporter in our current Patient Transport Department.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires heavy lifting and pushing, pulling and standing.
• Effective interpersonal skills necessary to communicate clearly to interact appropriately with nursing staff, patients, families/visitors, physicians, and other hospital staff.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently and efficiently to complete assigned work.
• Work requires an Aptitude and/or passion for safety; ability to function as a "safety technician." Detail oriented safety minded and responsive to potentially hazardous situations.
• Work requires a personal desire to improve the safety record and reduce accidents in the department.