Safe Patient Mobilization Technician

Department Overview

The SPM Tech assists direct patient care providers using safe patient mobilization techniques such as performing equipment assisted lifts, transfers, turns and repositioning of patients in clinical environment. The

SPM Tech strives to promote a safe patient handling environment, for both patients and care providers. SPM

Tech’s coach’s healthcare clinical staff in use of lift techniques and transfer equipment as needed.

Function/Duties of Position

• Rounds regularly, 3 times per 8-hour shift, to inpatient ICU floors. Collaborates with clinical staff to assess patient needs before each task (lift or reposition), including type of lift to be performed, condition of patient, and state of patient’s physical disability. Performs patient transfers or repositioning using the appropriate lifting and transfer equipment. Identifies availability of necessary equipment and supplies for use in transfer or reposition.

• Responds to requests for patient lifts or transfer on-site ancillary departments and clinics (in less than 30 minutes). Collaborates, if possible, with clinical staff on scheduling prior to patient appointment. Responds to requests via Vocera, pagers or through the Transportation Dispatch.

• Transports patients using wheelchair, stretcher, hospital bed, and morgue cart to and from various locations include, but not limited to nursing units, diagnostics, pre-op, life flight pad and morgue. Transfer patients to and from stretcher, hospital bed, exam table and wheelchair using transportation-assist devices such as Hovermatts, Slips, slider boards and backboards.

• Responds to patient falls and urgent situations in an expedited manner (in less than 15 minutes). Collaborates with clinical staff to assess patient needs before lift or transfer. Identifies availability of necessary equipment and supplies for use in lift or transfer, using patient retrieval systems, such as Hover Matt or Hover Jack, when necessary.

• Transports medical equipment, mail, labs, blood products and supplies to and from various locations within the OHSU environment. These locations are, but not limited to: nursing units, diagnostic areas, clinics, exam rooms, operating rooms, laboratories, morgue or offices.

• Operates elevators for patient and equipment movement. Relieves elevator attendants for breaks.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; must be able to lift 50 pounds or push 300 pounds using appropriate equipment and body mechanics; must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions; AND

• Six months experience in a medical or healthcare environment or 90 days training with patient transportation.

• Must be completed within 90 days of hire: In-house biohazardous items handling. Other compass modules as assigned 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must have soft skills such as strong work ethics and a positive pleasant attitude.
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks to maximize efficiency and patient experience.
• Ability to multitask and function in stressful situations.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English. 
• Demonstrated skills in collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving to achieve team goals. 
• Ability to frequently lift and reposition dependent or bariatric patients.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or push 300 pounds using appropriate equipment and body mechanics
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of people under stressful situations.
• Must be able to perform transportation, lift and transfer duties safely and unsupervised. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher, EMT certificate
• Experience in safe lifting and transferring of patients with safe patient mobilization devices, safe transporting of patients, specimens, blood products, equipment, and supplies 

Additional Details

• Risk of exposure to infectious disease, blood, body fluids and/or tissue as well as other unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries and illness
• Risk of exposure to and be required to handle varying unpredictable, emergency and crisis situations
• Risk of exposure to frustrated or violent patients
• PPE when necessary: gloves, mask, gown, bonnet, and shoe covers
• Work holidays
• Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions
• Position is considered an essential role in hospital operations and providing/supporting patient care

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]