Human Resources: Find adaptable drivers

A. We hear that phrase all too often. A person seeking employment will simply see “driving experience or delivery experience” and think, I can do that, I can drive and I know the area.

But our medical equipment technicians, or “METs” as we call them, are responsible for not only delivering equipment to homes or facilities. They are also responsible for set up, education and troubleshooting. Being able to deliver a product is not nearly enough for us to hire an MET. Candidates must be able to adapt easily. Our METs deal with a multitude of unknowns, such as unpredictable weather and road conditions, as well as last-minute changes to a delivery. They need to be able to accept those changes and continue with their deliveries. METs are usually the only person who interacts face to face with our patients. 

Their responsibility doesn't end there, but continues with servicing the family, listening to them, being able to answer their questions and educating them on how their equipment works. We look for candidates who have a desire for learning, and a compassion for those who need help. A MET's knowledge and understanding of what the patient and family is dealing with is vital to being successful in the role. 

It is not necessarily important for an MET to have industry knowledge or experience; that comes with training in a classroom and from being on the job. Most importantly, we look for transferrable skills, such as professionalism in their ability to communicate with patients and families, as well as in their appearance and great customer service skills. hme

Melissa Seitz is an HR generalist at Medical Service Company. Reach her at mseitz@medicalserviceco.com.