Housekeeper at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital: Maintaining a Safe and Clean Environment

Role Overview

As a Housekeeper at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, you play a crucial role in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Your dedication to cleanliness directly impacts the quality of care provided and the overall patient experience. This position involves performing a variety of environmental services to ensure that all assigned areas are kept in a clean and orderly condition, adhering to the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation.

A Day in the Life of a Housekeeper

Each day as a Housekeeper at Wheeling Hospital brings a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might look like:

• Morning Briefing: Start your day by receiving assignments and updates from your supervisor. Understand the priorities for the day, including any specific areas that require immediate attention.
• Patient Room Cleaning: Clean and disinfect patient rooms, paying close attention to detail. This includes making beds, changing linens, cleaning surfaces, and ensuring the room is free of clutter.
• Public Area Maintenance: Maintain the cleanliness of public areas such as hallways, waiting rooms, and restrooms. This involves sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and disinfecting surfaces to ensure a sanitary environment for all.
• Operating Room (OR) Cleaning: Perform thorough cleaning and sanitation of operating rooms and procedure rooms, adhering to strict protocols to prevent infection.
• Trash Removal: Collect and dispose of trash and waste materials from all assigned areas, following proper disposal procedures.
• Supply Replenishment: Ensure that all areas are adequately stocked with essential supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, and soap.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain cleaning equipment in good working condition, reporting any issues to the supervisor.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety and sanitation regulations, including the proper use of cleaning chemicals and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Special Cleaning Tasks: Handle special cleaning tasks as assigned, such as washing walls, spot cleaning carpets, and moving furniture or equipment.
• End-of-Day Reporting: At the end of your shift, report any issues, completed tasks, and supply needs to your supervisor.

Why Wheeling Hospital?

Wheeling Hospital, part of the WVU Medicine network, is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to the Wheeling community and surrounding areas. Working at Wheeling Hospital offers numerous benefits:

• Community Impact: Be part of a team that is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the local community.
• Professional Growth: WVU Medicine provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Supportive Environment: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
• Commitment to Excellence: Be part of an organization that is committed to excellence in patient care and continuous improvement.

Career Path for Housekeepers

The Housekeeper position at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital can be a starting point for a rewarding career in environmental services. With experience and additional training, you can advance to positions such as:

• Lead Housekeeper: Supervise a team of housekeepers and oversee cleaning operations in a specific area.
• Environmental Services Supervisor: Manage the environmental services department, ensuring that all areas are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards.
• Infection Control Specialist: Focus on preventing the spread of infections by implementing and monitoring infection control practices.
• Healthcare Technician: Pursue further education and training to become a certified healthcare technician, providing direct patient care.

Salary and Benefits

WVU Medicine offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The salary for a Housekeeper at Wheeling Hospital typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. The benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellence. As an employee, you will be part of a diverse and inclusive team that is dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients. WVU Medicine values its employees and provides opportunities for professional growth and development. The organization also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and offers resources to support employee well-being.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the WVU Medicine team as a Housekeeper at Wheeling Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this job description. Complete the application in full, providing detailed information about your qualifications, experience, and skills. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience in environmental services, cleaning, or sanitation. A resume and cover letter are recommended to showcase your interest and qualifications for the position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the essential duties of a Housekeeper at Wheeling Hospital?
   • The essential duties include cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, public areas, and operating rooms, removing trash, replenishing supplies, and maintaining cleaning equipment.
2. What qualifications are required for this position?
   • A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. The ability to perform cleaning tasks, operate cleaning equipment, and follow safety and sanitation regulations is required.
3. What skills are important for a Housekeeper?
   • Important skills include attention to detail, time management, communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow written instructions.
4. What is the typical work schedule for a Housekeeper?
   • The work schedule can vary depending on the needs of the hospital, but typically includes day, evening, and weekend shifts.
5. What type of training is provided for this position?
   • WVU Medicine provides on-the-job training, as well as annual required education related to specialty accreditation.
6. What are the physical requirements for this job?
   • The job requires the ability to perform cleaning tasks such as mopping, reaching, and bending, and the ability to operate floor cleaning equipment.
7. What is the working environment like for a Housekeeper?
   • The working environment involves frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, and cleaning chemicals.
8. What opportunities are there for career advancement?
   • With experience and additional training, you can advance to positions such as Lead Housekeeper, Environmental Services Supervisor, or Infection Control Specialist.
9. What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?
   • WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellence, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
10. What benefits are offered to employees at WVU Medicine?
    • WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.