VUMC Valet attendant Oscar Escobar performs a temperature screening on Esther Hightower-Scott, a medical receptionist at VUMC. Photo by Donn Jones
They’ve traded in keys for thermometers.
The valet attendants who previously parked cars for patients and visitors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are now taking temperatures as part of COVID-19 screening for employees.
Valet Services were discontinued for the safety of the valet attendants and because of reduced clinic volume, and the team members were offered the opportunity to work as employee screeners.
The valet attendants at the screening station on the Round Wing Plaza, wearing their familiar red shirts, appeared to be enjoying their new roles on the second full day of screening.
“On the first day, I was so nervous with nurses and doctors coming up to be screened,” said Richard Alicea. “They’ve all been so kind, and now I’m feeling more confident.”
“In the midst of these unprecedented times, our valet team embodies the culture of this organization by exceeding their regular job duties to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff.”
Oscar Escobar said many employees are thanking them. “I’m so happy to be helping make VUMC safer,” Escobar said.
Jason Bucher, director of Parking and Transportation Services, worked with operations engineer Mitchell Sexton to develop the logistics of the program.
“In the midst of these unprecedented times, our valet team embodies the culture of this organization by exceeding their regular job duties to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff,” said Hunter Nichols, who was part of the team that developed the patient and visitor screening program earlier this year and will be leading the overall screening program.
About 40 valet attendants are working as screeners, alongside other VUMC employees. The participation of valet attendants keeps clinical staff — who otherwise might have served as screeners — in their clinical roles. One of the valet attendants shared with a VUMC leader that the experience was inspiring him to consider going to nursing school.
“We are so appreciative of the Valet Services team for stepping up and supporting the employee screening process,” said Jenny Slayton, MSN, RN, Vice President for Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention. “Gary Streaty and Jason Bucher and the team have been outstanding.”
Screeners take the temperature of all staff, faculty and residents entering Medical Center facilities that include clinical care areas, regardless of clinical contact. There are 14 screening stations at the Midtown Nashville campus and Vanderbilt One Hundred Oaks. Staff who have temperatures below 100 degrees Fahrenheit receive a sticker to show they’ve been screened.
“The response of the valet team, their willingness to try something new, has been phenomenal,” said E.B. Jackson, MBA, an administrative director who is supporting VUMC’s operational efforts related to COVID-19. “This is a wonderful collaboration and beautiful example of the Vanderbilt spirit. We are resilient and adaptable, and we come together to help wherever we’re needed.”