Lead Patient Transporter

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Transporter position is responsible for transporting acute, intensive and critical care patients in a timely manner utilizing a wheelchair, transcart, stretcher or bed, and role-modeling appropriate communication, working closely with nursing staff and co-workers. In addition to performing the functions outlined in the Transporter position, the Lead Transporter position is distinguished by exercising a greater degree of independent judgment and analysis. This position serves as a role model to team members and supports the interprofessional team in delivering high quality patient care during transit, moving inpatients and outpatients to diagnostic testing and therapeutic areas, clinics, physician's offices, admissions and discharges throughout the complex. The Lead Transporter position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving basic questions and issues, resulting in the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• Three years of customer service, patient transportation or nursing assistant experience of which one year must be in patient transportation

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem solving
• Demonstrates working knowledge of stretchers, wheelchairs, mobility of IV pump or IVs and beds as they relate to safety measures
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of isolation, infection control and safety procedures. Practices universal precautions at all times when assisting patients
• Demonstrates the ability to access information both in the department and within the system to support the department as appropriate

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communication to Nursing, Imaging and other departments about any delays and to notify staff of patient transport which includes reviewing patient passport for completeness and understanding for clarification of handoff, checks patient identification using two-step verification, prepares patient for transport identifying IV bags, Foley catheters, or infusion pumps, etc., needing special handling, to promote both work efforts and problem resolution which is clear and professional. Uses appropriate communication device to limit conversations to ensure HIPAA compliance. Role models effective communication skills, assisting in team members’ development of such skills.
• Effectively supports Management to implement protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Interacts positively and effectively with patients and guests, as well as internal customers. Serves as a team resource for customer service decisions for problem-solving, setting/communicating trip delays, canceling and recalling assignments. Handles basic issues as they pertain to the department, and acts as liaison in the absence of Management.
• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives. Participates in the training, education and development of the team, supporting members of management to achieve optimal department outcomes. Actively participates in making recommendations for improving working relationships in the department and with each nursing unit. Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and maintains adequate supply of transport equipment in lobbies and equipment rooms, as appropriate. Clears equipment left on floors, in hallways and unauthorized areas by moving them to designated equipment storage areas or reporting the equipment to the dispatcher, as appropriate.
• Properly disposes of soiled linen on department and/or nursing unit and removes other items left on equipment such as urinals, bedpans, emesis basins, etc. Removes some equipment no longer needed for the patient care from the transport equipment and places it in the soiled utility room, as appropriate.
• Drives improving department scores for patient satisfaction/experience on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability, providing timely transports, ensuring belongings are appropriately transported with patient and remain with the patient.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reports observations, conditions and problems of patients to licensed personnel to achieve desired patient outcomes. Provides for the privacy of patients and families, keeping the safety of the patient in mind.
• Transports and stores oxygen tanks in approved holders. In collaboration with clinical staff as appropriate, ensures that oxygen cylinders selected are appropriate for use to reflect the current airflow status. Completes patient handoff when returning to department.
• Disinfects equipment before and after each use, allowing sufficient time for the disinfectant to dry thoroughly. Operates all transport equipment in a safe manner. Tags equipment needing extensive repairs, takes damaged equipment out of service and delivers appropriately for repair.
• Reports any potential harm or conflicting information to management for input in Patient Safety Net (PSN). Leads initiatives to prevent conditions such as pressure injuries, patient falls, and hospital-acquired infections. Assists management with improvement of department quality and safety scores, through peer-to-peer accountability.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.
• Prioritizes department daily tasks and independently manages time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime.
• Assists management with strategic staff scheduling in coordination to reduce department overtime and ensure adequate coverage. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively handling established daily responsibilities and assignments.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement hospital projects and activities. Contributes ideas towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of department processes.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Participates in continuing education and in-service programs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: Yes
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• Three years of customer service, patient transportation or nursing assistant experience of which one year must be in patient transportation

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association