Project Firstline
Environmental Services Health Care Facilities Enhancing Teamwork Infection Contol Training

Health care EVS technicians help prevent the spread of diseases.

Fact.

Healthcare EVS Technicians are the first line of defense in preventing and combating the spread of health-care-associated infections (HAIs). Healthcare EVS Technicians stop resistant germs from entering the body during procedures or visits and prevent them from spreading into the community.

 
 
 

I can’t become an EVS technician because of my hair.

Myth.

It is critical for EVS Technicians to practice and model environmental and infection prevention practices, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). While an EVS Technician may have to cover their head with PPE in specific situations, having long hair, locs, etc., does not interfere with the important work of preventing the spread of HAIs.

 
 
 

The exam to become an EVS Technician is very difficult.

Misconception.

The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) signature training and certification programs are comprehensive and thoroughly prepare certification applicants for the exam. The exam is formatted to be accessible for candidates with learning disabilities and/or for whom English is not their first language.

 
 
 

If I become an EVS technician, I can never get my nails done.

Myth.

Regulations about nails can vary by facility but are often accommodated within safety guidelines. While it is important that fingernails are short enough to enable an EVS Technician to use proper PPE such as rubber gloves and to safely use equipment without being encumbered, professional personal expression is valued and respected.

 
 
 

All an EVS technician does is clean.

Myth.

EVS technicians are highly trained to identify the causes of HAIs, how to prevent them and how to combat them if they’ve already spread. While maintaining a clean environment is part of an EVS technician’s job, it is critical for them to be able to identify when disinfection is also needed and how to do it. This requires a knowledge of knowing which tools to use for different tasks and in which order to complete tasks.

 
 
 

Healthcare EVS Technicians have little control over their work schedule.

Misconception.

Maintaining routine is a critical part of preventing the spread of HAIs. EVS technicians often specialize in skills to fit the time of day, such as during busy periods when many rooms are turned in a short period of time, or overnight when more deep cleans might be needed.

 
 
 

Patients are not always aware of the significance the EVS staff play in their overall care.

Fact.

As a key member of a patient’s health care team, Healthcare EVS Technicians help maintain a culture of health and safety in a facility. “Through their frequent visits to rooms, EVS staff often build strong relationships with patients and their loved ones.” They can be the first workers to identify changes in a patient’s clinical status and are critical to helping keep the team informed.

 
 
 

There is room to grow in the Healthcare EVS Professionals field.

Fact.

The AHE has worked with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and its partners to develop a clear career trajectory for EVS professionals. Technicians new to the field can look forward to advanced levels of responsibility, including tasks that require additional technical knowledge and management of budgets and colleagues.