Transport Aide in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Watauga Medical Center is seeking a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team as a Patient Transporter. In this crucial role, you will be responsible for safely and efficiently transporting patients within the medical center, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the process. The ideal candidate will demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Key Responsibilities:

• Safely transport patients to and from various departments within the medical center, including but not limited to patient rooms, diagnostic imaging, surgical suites, and rehabilitation areas.
• Assist patients with getting in and out of beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers as needed, ensuring their comfort and safety during transportation.
• Coordinate with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals to prioritize patient transport requests based on medical needs and scheduling requirements.
• Adhere to infection control protocols and maintain cleanliness and sanitation of transportation equipment, including wheelchairs, stretchers, and other mobility aids.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members to provide clear instructions and address any concerns or questions related to transportation.
• Utilize computerized systems or paper-based logs to accurately record patient transport activities and maintain documentation as required.
• Collaborate with environmental services staff to ensure timely turnover of patient rooms and maintain efficient workflow throughout the medical center.
• Participate in training sessions and continuing education programs to enhance knowledge of safe patient handling techniques, infection control practices, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism and empathy in all interactions with patients and their families, while maintaining confidentiality and respecting their privacy and dignity.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall operations and goals of Watauga Medical Center.

Compensation is commensurate education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $16.00 - $23.20 per hour. Eligible for shift differential on top of base rate of pay. This position is benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period.

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Experience within the hospital environment preferred

• Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required at time of hire.

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physicians and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Must be able to read, write, and count
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
• Excellent emotional intelligence and communication
• Reliable time-management and punctuality
• Good physical fitness

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 300 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.