CENTRAL TRANSPORTER

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and efficient Central Transporter to join our team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Central Transporter plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and timely movement of patients, medical equipment, and supplies throughout the hospital. This position requires excellent communication skills, a commitment to patient care, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism and compassion while maintaining the highest standards of safety and confidentiality. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

• Patient Transport:
• Safely transport patients to and from various departments, using appropriate equipment (wheelchairs, stretchers).
• Assist patients with mobility and ensure their comfort during transport.
• Specimen Transport: Safely transport specimens from departments to designated area. 
• Equipment Management:
• Transport and deliver medical equipment and supplies throughout the facility as needed.
• Ensure that all equipment is clean, functional, and ready for use.
• Communication:
• Collaborate with nursing and medical staff to coordinate patient transport needs.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff to provide information and updates regarding transport schedules.
• Greet and escort patients to and from scan rooms using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) principles.
• Safety and Compliance:
• Adhere to safety protocols and infection control practices while transporting patients and equipment.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Documentation:
• Document transport actions appropriately and timely in EHR. 
• Report any issues or concerns related to patient transport or equipment to supervisory staff.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with other support roles in the department as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Help with inventory management and stocking of supplies when required.
• Perform routine checks on transport equipment (wheelchairs, stretchers) to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Notify the appropriate personnel regarding any malfunctioning equipment.
• Provide mentorship or support to interns or new staff as needed.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting or similar role is a plus but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic knowledge of safety and infection control practices.

Required Licensure/Education

•  Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Rare
• Video Display Terminals: Extreme
• Blood and Body Fluids: May come into contact with blood and body fluids in the course of transporting or lifting patients. 
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: May come in direct contact with patients and have potential of normal exposure to airborne pathogens.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patients, both visually and through speech for retrieval of information, procedure verification and post procedure instructions.
• Vision: Required to identify patient to computer system.
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed for active listening to colleagues, patients, visitors, and others encountered in the course of job duties.
• Touch: Needed for key boarding of entry and/or other patient care functions.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 5%
• Twist: 5%
• Stand: 10%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 70%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 2%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 1%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 100 lbs: Rare
• Over 100 lbs: Rar

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): May need to assist patients from wheelchair and/or gurney on to and off procedure table. Patient lifting equipment will be utilized in all appropriate situations.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist:24
• Stand: 200
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 200
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 14
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 5
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs.: Frequently 
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 50-200#: Frequently 
• Fine Manipulation: typing on computer keyboard, and clerical skills.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Repetitive motion from locking and unlocking beds and carts during transportation of patients. 

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: N/A
• Special Hazards: N/A
• Protective Clothing Required: Protective equipment as needed per patient requirements.