Are you seeking a fulfilling career in healthcare where you can directly impact patient well-being? Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, is actively seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Patient Transporters. This vital role ensures the safe and efficient movement of patients within our renowned hospital and clinic network, contributing significantly to the smooth operation of patient care services. If you are looking for a Patient Transport Job Durham that offers both challenge and reward, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Job Overview: Patient Transporter at Duke University
As a Patient Transporter at Duke University, you will play a crucial role in the patient journey, providing essential transportation services throughout our medical facilities. This position involves much more than simply moving patients from one point to another. It’s about offering comfort, assistance, and a friendly face during what can often be a stressful time for individuals and their families. You will be responsible for transporting patients, specimens, and equipment efficiently and safely, always prioritizing patient comfort and safety.
Key Responsibilities of a Patient Transporter
The duties of a Patient Transporter are varied and dynamic, requiring a blend of physical capability, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. Your responsibilities will include:
- Patient Transportation: Safely transport patients to and from various locations within the hospital and clinics, including clinical, ancillary, and support areas. This may involve using wheelchairs, stretchers, or van services. You will be trained to transport patients with various medical needs, including those with oxygen tanks, IV pumps, and other specialized equipment.
- Assisting Patients and Clinical Staff: Collaborate with clinical personnel to ensure smooth and safe patient transfers between beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. Your assistance is crucial in maintaining patient safety and comfort during these transitions.
- Customer Service and Support: Greet patients and visitors with warmth and professionalism, offering assistance and directions within the hospital. You will be the first point of contact for many individuals, setting the tone for their experience at Duke. This includes assisting people in and out of vehicles, escorting them through the hospital, carrying luggage, and providing messenger services within the hospital complex.
- Specimen and Equipment Transport: Efficiently collect and deliver specimens, medical orders, requisitions, and equipment to designated locations throughout the facility, ensuring timely delivery and contributing to the smooth workflow of medical operations.
- Maintaining a Safe and Clean Environment: Assist in upholding order and cleanliness in hospital lobbies and entrances, contributing to a welcoming and safe environment for patients and visitors.
- Supporting Nursing Staff: Provide support to nursing staff by assisting with the transportation of deceased patients to the morgue with respect and dignity.
- Training and Compliance: Participate in the training of new employees, sharing your knowledge and experience to ensure a high standard of service within the transport team. Adhere to all safety protocols and ensure patient identification is verified before each transport.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all transport equipment, such as wheelchairs and stretchers, is clean, well-maintained, and in proper working order, contributing to patient safety and operational efficiency.
- OR Support (Potentially): Depending on the specific department, you may be required to transport patients to the Operating Room (OR), assist with room turnover procedures, and confirm the OR packet is signed, supporting the surgical team.
- Communication and Coordination: Confirm the appropriate method of transport and any special patient needs before each transport, ensuring all necessary preparations are made for a safe and comfortable journey.
- Professional Development: Attend educational programs as directed to stay updated on best practices and enhance your skills within patient transportation.
- Other Related Duties: Perform other duties incidental to the work described, as required by the department and your supervisor.
Qualifications to Become a Patient Transporter at Duke
Duke University values individuals who are dedicated, compassionate, and possess a strong work ethic. To be considered for a patient transport job durham at Duke University, you should meet the following qualifications:
Education
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: You should possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, demonstrating the ability to understand and follow instructions, both written and verbal.
Experience
- No Prior Experience Required: This is an excellent entry-level opportunity within the healthcare field. No prior experience is required, as comprehensive training will be provided.
Certifications and Licensure
- BCLS Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is mandatory and must be obtained by the end of your orientation period and maintained throughout your employment.
- Valid North Carolina Driver’s License (Potentially Required): Depending on the specific role requirements, a valid North Carolina driver’s license may be necessary, particularly if the position involves van transportation services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent Communication Skills: You must possess strong verbal communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff. The ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally is essential.
- Ability to Follow Instructions: You must be able to understand and follow both oral and written instructions accurately and efficiently, ensuring patient safety and proper procedures are followed.
- Physical Stamina and Strength: The role requires significant physical activity, including extensive walking, lifting, and physical exertion. You must be capable of lifting, pushing, or pulling weights ranging from 100 to 200 pounds and possess a full range of motion.
- Operational Skills: Ability to safely operate machines and equipment related to patient transportation, such as wheelchairs and stretchers, is necessary.
- Navigation and Spatial Awareness: The ability to navigate the hospital and clinic network efficiently and transport patients to various locations within the medical campus is crucial.
Physical Demands of the Role
This patient transport job durham is physically demanding. You will be on your feet for extended periods, moving and assisting patients. Essential physical job functions include significant walking, standing, lifting, pushing, and pulling. You should be comfortable with the physical aspects of the role and committed to ensuring patient safety and comfort during transport.
Join Duke University: An Equal Opportunity Employer
Duke University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
At Duke, we believe that our collective success relies on the rich exchange of ideas that flourishes when diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are welcomed and respected. We encourage all individuals who are passionate about patient care and meet the required qualifications to apply for this rewarding patient transport job durham.
If you are ready to embark on a career where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of others, consider joining the Duke University team as a Patient Transporter. Search Duke Jobs today to explore current openings and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare at Durham’s leading medical institution.
