Health Aid / Health Technician

Health Aid / Health Technician

This position is located at the Portland VA Medical Center, Inpatient & Emergency Services, Patient Transport (Escort) Unit. The incumbent provides guidance and information pertaining to patient whereabouts and accesses as needed to provide required care and services. Responsibilities include but are not limited to : Position requires strong interpersonal skills and customer service. Safely transports patients by stretcher, wheelchair, gurney and / or accompany the ambulatory patients who need assistance to areas within the medical center and OHSU. Recognizes and reports significant changes in patients that are being transported. Maintains communication with Patient Transport Courier and Patient Support Team Supervisor at each delivery point. Dispatches trips to all using services via CPRS consult package and prioritizes workload for Patient Transport and Courier Service. These may include OHSU Radiation Therapy, Casey Eye Institute, OHSU Dental School, Surgery, Pathology, Radiology, Pharmacy, MRI and other areas as needed. VAMC dispatch is to all areas within the medical center. Is responsible for prioritizing various transports based on patient care needs and logistics. Including patient condition, treatment, modality, mode of transport and scheduling. Gives guidance to Patient Transport & Courier staff / volunteers to promote efficient and safe transport. Collects and delivers all specimens, labs, consults, x-rays, charts and all medical related materials and equipment throughout the Medical Center and OHSU. Responds and assists in all emergencies, including, but not limited to codes (cardiac arrest, behavioral emergency and fire alert), and internal / external disasters throughout the Medical Center and the VA Bridge. In a dignified manner, provides a full range of services to VA staff in caring for expired patients which includes preparing and transferring the body, as well as transporting to the morgue. Secures patient's confidence and cooperation through the discharge process. Explains procedures for transition through pharmacy and transportation. Varies procedure based on patient needs. Advocate for the discharging unit and respond to inquiries pertaining to the process. Provides general clerical / administrative support coordination work for the unit. Performs a variety of receptionist, record keeping, and miscellaneous duties. Receives visitors, answers the telephone, and refers calls to appropriate staff or records messages. Plans, organizes and coordinates activities of the unit. Communicates in a tactful and courteous manner with a wide variety of individuals with varying levels of understanding. Uses software to produce specific printouts. Uses word processing software to produce a variety of documents. Receives and directs patients, answers routine inquiries. Reports obvious changes in patient behavior to the professional staff. Performs other related duties as assigned.