Medical Assistant

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Outpatient Department Medical Director, accomplishes the Medical Department’s strategic objectives by planning, organizing, and implementing assigned functions required to operate and maintain departmental activities and services within the designated scope of practice. Ensures quality and compassionate direct patient care is provided in assigned areas and maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the task performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Complete required competencies for assigned department.
• Communicate goals, objectives, and assist with establishment and implementation of policies and procedures in accordance with nursing plan and practice.
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission.
• Demonstrate standard of care practices in all care provided.
• Translate or arrange for translation of diagnosis and treatment information into the Navajo language for the patient.
• Provide and support activities related to implementation of hospital policy related to the patient’s rights and responsibilities.
• Maintain a personal record of in-service participation to reflect at least three (3) activities per year.
• Maintain BLS certification and comply with annual hospital-wide training/in-service requirements, including infection control, fire safety, HIPAA/Patient Confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, etc.
• Address issues in a constructive manner and assist with continuous improvement of intradepartmental and interdepartmental processes.
• Maintain demonstration of annual competency requirements in skilled procedures for which the Medical Assistant has been trained.
• Accept and adapt to changes in the work area and/or work duties as assigned.
• Properly document all patient orders and results.
• Ensure assigned unit detail and daily tasks are completed within the department.
• Demonstrate proper isolation techniques and maintain a clean safe working environment.
• Assist with transfer of patients by ambulation, wheelchair, stretcher, etc.
• Transport patients to other hospital departments as needed.
• Collaborate with medical providers, registered nurses, and other discipline resources in planning and providing patient care services.
• Coordinate ordering of medical and clerical supplies.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assist with the delivery of proper provision of care addressing psychological, psycho-social environmental, educational and discharge planning needs of the patient.
• Practice infection control and patient safety procedures.
• Attend mandatory departmental staff meetings.
• Meet and comply with the company policies and procedures.
• Obtain specimens for lab tests and transport them to the appropriate location.
• Submit lab reports to the provider in a timely manner.
• Appropriately prepare patient for examination:

• Escort the patient from the lobby to the assigned exam room.
• Perform vital signs, weight, height, and inquire about the purpose of the visit. Document all information on the designated intake forms.
• Assure all ordered tests and procedures are entered into the system and performed.
• Prepare the patient for the provider encounter.
• Check immunization records for currency.
• Assure that most recent hospitalization documentation is in the chart.
• Assist with gynecologic exams.
• Perform sterile and unsterile dressing changes.
• Perform EKGs.

• Perform basic laboratory procedures to include:

• Diabetic screening
• Capillary blood glucose testing
• Glucose testing
• Urine dipstick
• Hemoccult testing; stool specimen collection
• Urine pregnancy tests
• Rapid Strep testing
• Venipuncture

• Maintain an attractive and comfortable environment for the patient.

• Clean exam rooms after each patient use
• Keep hallways clear
• Perform daily checks on rooms and work areas, restock as needed.

• Provide “On-Call” duties as assigned.

Perform other duties as required and as delegated.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures, equipment needed for procedures and how to complete and submit requisition forms and orders.

• Knowledge of applicable tribal, federal, state, local laws, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the Joint Commission accreditation process.
• Knowledge of effective principles and practices of patient education.
• Knowledge of standards of care for the delivery of patient care.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation and facility triage procedures.
• Knowledge of assigned departmental clinical instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge of clinical department’s operational procedures.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Knowledge of the location of all supplies, forms, and crash cart in the department.
• Knowledge of the intimate partner violence policy and procedures.
• Ability to display effective interpersonal skills and be able to function at a high level of independence.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationship with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate team-building skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to remain calm and provide effective care in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to continually seek improvement in results.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including Windows and Microsoft Office products.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to reach and grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office, clinic or hospital setting with exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Exposure to latex products on a routine basis. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.