Health Aid - Transporter

Health Aid - Transporter

The Health Aid - Transporter position is located at John Cochran Medical Center at VA Saint Louis Health Care System. This position provides support to patients, and their families, staff, and visitors. Transporters are responsible for transporting patients to various areas within the medical center. The Health Aid delivers and logs-in specimens, assisting the nursing staff by retrieving supplies or other materials such as oxygen tanks. They perform a wide range of support functions including knowledge of proper positioning of the patient to prevent ulcers, to support their intravenous lines, urinary drainage bags and other devices during transport. The Health Aid is responsible for observing and reporting any sudden variations / changes in patient's condition, such as acute changes in mental status, during transport. They work closely with the nursing staff to ensure safe patient handling and transport : in and out of wheelchairs, stretchers or beds and assisting patients getting in and out of various vehicles for appointments and discharges from the hospital. The Health Aid demonstrates a working knowledge of body mechanics, use of mechanical and powered-lifting aids, and devices to help facilitate safe patient movement. They respond to all Code Ks, rapid responses, and Code Orange calls within the medical center and serves as a runner. The Health Aids retrieves dirty non-critical reusable medical equipment (RME) from wards and specialty care areas. They are responsible for the physical removal of foreign material, e.g. dust, oil, and organic materials, such as blood, secretions, excretions and micro-organisms. The Health Aid cleans and decontaminates RME according to established procedures. Non-critical equipment may be cleaned and disinfected at the point of care or patient care area and do not need to be transported to Sterile Processing Services unless grossly soiled, at which time it will be scrubbed and cleaned with enzymatic detergent and returned back to the patient-care areas. Transporters are responsible for cleaning the following non-critical RME : SCD machines, IV poles, IV pumps, PCA pumps, feeding pumps, wheelchairs, stretchers, pink transport chairs, Geri Chairs, K-Pad unit, CPM machines, wound vacs, seizures pads, commode chairs and any other non-critical reusable equipment as assigned. The Health Aid visually examines inspection labels to ensure compliance with scheduled maintenance checks, and examines equipment for damage, deterioration or imperfections such as rust, pitting and cracks. They send damaged or outdated equipment for maintenance or to be repaired and / or replaced. The Health Aid actively participates in the section's in-service education and the quality assurance programs.