Four environmental services (EVS) employees at Heart of the Rockies Regional
Medical Center recently became Certified Healthcare Environmental Services
Technicians (CHEST). The CHEST program sets national standards specifically
for EVS technicians working in healthcare.
The Association for Healthcare Environment recently launched this new
certification program, which is backed by the American Hospital Association.
The CHEST program was established using focus groups and a comprehensive
nationwide job analysis of a healthcare EVS technician's responsibilities.
It covers all aspects of a frontline worker's typical tasks and accountabilities.
CHEST training workshops are comprised of 24 hours of required classroom
instruction. Environmental services technicians must then pass a written
exam to earn the CHEST designation.
"HRRMC is one of the first hospitals in the nation to make this certification
mandatory for all team members," said EVS Team Leader John Dickson.
"This is a great program and everyone has learned a lot more about
disinfection, waste handling, floor care, linen handling, infection prevention,
safety and communication in the healthcare environment. I am very proud
of all our EVS team members for taking the CHEST course and passing the
test. They put a lot of time and effort into this."
Through proper care and maintenance of the healthcare environment, EVS
technicians play an essential role in patients' experience of care,
as well as ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. This program has
the potential to make a positive impact on infection rates, costs, quality
of care, patient experience and outcomes.
Photo caption: Newly certified EVS team members include Minnie Rodriguez,
Vic Mabus, and Kathy Domjanich with Team Leader John Dickson. Not pictured-Mary
Haarberg.