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A Day in the Life of an Environmental Services Team Member at Arkansas Children’s Northwest
Deeper than Clean
Published date: February 16, 2024
Ambriz radiates warmth and joy even when behind a hospital mask and other personal protective equipment. His thorough knowledge and welcoming personality make him ideal for interacting with patients and training new EVS team members. Last year, Crothall Healthcare, a nationwide provider of service personnel, recognized Ambriz with a GEM of the Year (Great Employees Make Magic) award for the division.
Ambriz’s typical day follows this schedule, annotated to illustrate how patients are the center of everything he does at ACNW.
6:30 a.m.
Clock in and gather supplies for the day
Our pediatric surgeons and nurses receive additional specialized training for treating pediatric patients. Similarly, Arkansas Children's EVS team members are trained to meet the unique cleaning needs of a hospital. Our EVS team members know the difference between viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens and understand what EPA-registered disinfectant(s) kill specific pathogens (s), such as E. coli and SARS-CoV-2-the virus that causes COVID-19.
6:45 a.m.
Begin cleaning on the 4th floor, starting with the public areas, the family house, staff lounges and all ancillary areas
ACNW opened in 2018 as the only hospital in the region devoted to pediatric patients. Colorful halls, walls, and playrooms stocked with toys create an environment that eases children's anxiety. Ambriz and the other EVS team members follow strict guidelines for keeping these areas clean, so viruses and bacteria don't spread from one patient to another.
8:30 a.m.
Begin daily cleaning in patient rooms
This includes:
- greeting the patient/family members
- pulling trash and linens from the room
- dusting the room and restroom while being mindful not to dust directly over a patient
- cleaning all surfaces in the room with a focus on high-touch surfaces, like TV remotes, nurse call buttons, door handles, light switches and faucets
- cleaning and disinfecting the restroom
- sweeping and mopping the patient’s room and restroom
- ensuring the patient has everything they need before leaving the room
Ambriz's top priority and first consideration is the needs and safety of the patient and their caregivers. He is a part of their care team. Developing and maintaining strong relationships, especially with long-term patients, promotes a positive mental and emotional environment that complements patients' medical treatments.
12:30 p.m.
Lunch
1 p.m.
Finish remaining daily cleans and discharges as needed
Once a patient is discharged, the room receives a deeper cleaning to provide the safest environment for the next patient.
2 p.m.
Refresh public areas, remove trash from corridors, etc.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out the significant differences between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. Ambriz and the EVS team members at Arkansas Children's are skilled at all three. Even though tidying and de-cluttering aren't on the list, EVS team members understand the positive mental effects of tidiness in playrooms, public areas and patient rooms.
3 p.m.
Clock out