DISPATCH ATTENDANT

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Patient Transport and Visitor Services, the Patient Transporter will function within the guidelines of South Shore Health’s policies and procedures. The Patient Transporter provides prompt, courteous, customer service to patients, visitors, and co-workers. He/ She works in collaboration with other team members and ancillary departments by providing excellent service. Responsible for safe transport of patients, specimens, and equipment. He/ She is responsible for the safe transport of patients using a wheelchair or stretcher. This may also include the transport of patients with oxygen, IV poles and other equipment. He/ She may also be responsible for carrying out dispatch services and the appropriate documentation of such services when needed.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Safety/Quality - Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment. 
a. Verifies patient identification prior to the start of any transport.
b. Safely transports patients between departments (radiology, PACU, medical surgical units, and emergency department) using stretchers, wheelchairs, and beds.
c. Follows proper hand hygiene to support patient and staff safety.
d. Picks up patients and transports them to the designated areas within 18–20 minutes.
e. Assists with maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly patient environment.
f. Responsible for following Infection Prevention guidelines in cleaning and maintaining stretchers, wheelchairs, and other applicable equipment.
g. Monitors the safety of the behavior management patient. Checks for Blue for Behavior bar on patient room placard.

2. Patient Care/ Clinical Support Responsibilities 
a. Assisting with patient transfers using specialized equipment such as slide boards, gait belts, etc.
b. Monitor patient comfort and condition during transport.
c. Monitor O2 & IV lines during transport for safety and changes.
d. Report any changes or concerns to nursing staff.
e. Assist in patient repositioning and hygiene support.
f. Discharges patients following proper procedures. Upon notification of discharge, the patient is safely brought to the main entrance or departure lounge.
g. Transports lab specimens from all areas (inpatient units, ambulatory, etc.) to the Laboratory using universal precautions carried out.
h. Transports x–ray reports, medical records and all other equipment necessary, O2, etc.
i. Safely handles gas cylinders and safely applies patient oxygen administration devices under direct Nursing supervision.
j. In time of emergency, bring a code cart to the designated unit.

3. Communication and Coordination
a. Communicate clearly with nursing and clinical staff.
b. Accurately inform departments of patient departure and return to unit as soon as possible.
c. Communicate and engage with patients in a positive style/ technique providing reassurance and emotional support.
d. Communicate any concerns or observations to clinical staff.
e. Maintains awareness of patient belongings and coordinates with clinical staff to ensure proper labeling is present.
f. Considers the individual needs of each person with whom they interact.
g. Interacts with sensitivity in the delivery of services of diverse populations as needed.
h. Maintain a professional, courteous attitude toward patients, co–workers, and all departments daily.
i. Clarifies instructions and asks guidance when necessary to maintain patient safety.
j. Maintains on–going communication with the nurse assigned to the patient.

4. Technology
a. Utilizes software applications required by department and unit standards.
b. Accountable to understand how to operate SSH issued device to receive transport orders and document completion of services.
c. Answers the phone and dispatches services when needed, prioritizing needs of the nursing department. If covering the Dispatcher, logs calls appropriately, as they come in over the computer.

5. Professional Development
a. Attends mandatory in–services as required by South Shore Health.
b. Biannual attendance at in–service mandatory; i.e., CPR.
c. Completes annual education as assigned through Healthstream or other learning management systems by CPDS in a timely manner.
d. Accountable for being informed about changes in hospital policy and procedures.

6. Compliance
a. Complies with applicable policies and procedures.
b. Safeguards the privacy and security of patient information. The employee complies with policies and procedures relating to SSH’s privacy and security programs.
c. Brings potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, executive director, or VP.
d. Complies with the mandatory education requirements of compliance, privacy, and security programs.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred
High school education or equivalent preferred. You must be 16 years or older at the time of filing an application.
Minimum Work Experience
Previous hospital experience preferred but not required
Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the English language.

Ability to move or lift patients and equipment.

This position requires the candidate to be on their feet most of the shift as required.

Ability to provide a high-level of customer service to patients and staff in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving.

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.