Transportation Aide

Tufts Medicine•Boston, MA

2d•$17 - $20

About The Position

This entry-level support services role focuses on transporting patients safely, promptly, and accurately to and from hospital departments. The role may also assist with equipment requests, oxygen rounds, and other departmental support tasks. Work is typically routine, follows standard procedures, and is closely supervised. The Transportation Aide helps ensure patient comfort during transport, uses proper body mechanics when assisting with patient transfers, and communicates with clinical and other staff about arrivals, assignments, delays, and concerns. The role also maintains transport equipment and follows infection-control procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is listed as a preferred qualification.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to use a phone and pager.
Ability to operate stretchers, wheelchairs, and patient beds to transport patients safely.
Ability to identify the scope of a task and perform it in a timely and efficient manner.
Ability to read, write, perform simple mathematical calculations, and apply basic physical-science knowledge at a level generally acquired through high school education.
Ability to use fine hand manipulation to operate a computer keyboard.
Physical ability to stand or walk for most of the shift; bend and lift medium-weight equipment or supplies weighing 30–35 pounds; push and pull beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers weighing up to 60 pounds; and maneuver wheelchairs and stretchers.
Frequent contact with professional and other staff, patients, and visitors; frequent exposure to dust, dirt, blood, body waste, and contaminated waste; possible risk of cuts, needle punctures, and strains.
Demonstrates integrity, focus, commitment, flexibility, diplomacy, teamwork, and positive role-model behavior.

Nice To Haves

Prior healthcare experience.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

Transport patients safely, promptly, and accurately to their destinations, bringing requested equipment and attending to patient comfort and modesty.
Assist patient-care staff with lifting and transferring patients to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds, using proper body mechanics.
Notify appropriate nursing, clinical, technical, or reception staff upon arrival; verify patient identification and promptly report patient distress or equipment malfunction.
Complete transports efficiently, notify appropriate staff and leaders when assignments begin and end, and meet performance standards for response and completion times.
Disinfect transport equipment before and after use according to policy and manufacturer instructions; remove linen, disinfect and prepare stretchers, return equipment to designated locations, and dispose of medical waste according to infection-control procedures.
Check equipment for safe and proper function before use and report ineffective or broken equipment to unit leadership.
Communicate appropriately with other system teams and keep staff and the manager informed about cancellations, activities, needs, and concerns; notify the Director of potential situations and unreasonable response times.
Follow policies, procedures, and standards established by regulatory agencies, including Federal and State agencies, The Joint Commission, OSHA, and CDC.
Notice patients waiting in corridors to return to their rooms, notify dispatch, and transport them.
Conduct daily rounds to ensure equipment is properly stored.
Ensure compliance with departmental operating policies and procedures.
Assist with orienting, training, and developing transport associates.