What path did you take to arrive in your current role as a Maintenance Mechanic?
Before Medxcel, I was a laboratory research manager working in metallurgy, which is the development of metal alloys for battery research and hydrogen storage. I worked with engineers and developed systems for research operations. However, since I didn’t have an associate degree or doctorate, it was difficult to move to the next level on that path. As the company evolved over the years, they began giving me responsibility over building maintenance and tasked me to work with subcontractors to keep the building operational. That led to me transitioning into an assistant facility manager role there. I was also working as a subcontractor on the side, involved in rerunning gas lines in homes and making all the modifications. My background and maintenance experience is what was needed for me to later sign on with Medxcel as a maintenance mechanic, and I’ve been here for about three years now.
What career development opportunities has Medxcel provided you?
I completed Follett ice machine service technician training for successful machine operation and repair. I'm working toward getting an ice machine program up and running at our hospital. There’s a lot of different aspects to it, like filter systems that feed the machines and the machines themselves. Constant sanitation is required to provide clean, healthy water as well as soft ice for the patients and their families. Hydration is important for our patients.
We also do Legionnaire training for infectious disease prevention. Next, I’d like to take a small appliance service technician training.
How does your work impact patient care?
Our team provides constant support to the hospital so medical staff can focus on patient care without the distraction of submitting service requests. Every day I walk the premises to see what needs to be done, write up work orders and complete them. Most of the time we can handle the small stuff quickly and efficiently without needing to involve an outside vendor.
Is there something interesting about the facility where you work?
This hospital has an area called Main Street with a gift shop, several different entrances and a mall-type feel. There’s a cafeteria and two atriums where families can go sit and rest while their loved ones are being treated. It’s a place to enjoy some space away from the bustle of the main hospital. The unique layout of this building results in a lot of walking for our team. We get our steps in here! My wife got both of us step meters, and we went on a test. She barely got 10,000 steps, and I was close to 30,000.
What is one unexpected thing that’s happened during your time in this role?
We have close to 50 service dogs that come around to patients at this hospital. There’s a unique program in place with calendars and baseball cards for each dog. One time, I got called up to repair light fixtures in one of the stairwells. The light fixtures and ballasts were about 20 feet above ground, so I was using an extension ladder to complete the job. I came down to get some parts off my cart in the hallway and suddenly there were seven service dogs out there with their handlers. I was having a difficult day, and these dogs were like, hey I’m going to check on you. I knelt on one knee to pet them, and it was just a moment I never expected. I got a few minutes of relief before I went back up the ladder to finish the light.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s great how the medical staff engage with us at the hospital. They’re happy to see us show up, and they’re thankful that we finish the jobs with as little impact on them as possible.
What would you say to someone who asks you if you recommend working for Medxcel?
I’ve recommended it to others. There’s a lot of positive aspects to working here like the good benefits and good people. My team is supportive and works together well.