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

Job Description

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.