PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MEDICAL ASSISTANT-Northern Urgent Care

Under the direction of a physician or nurse, may perform common technical tasks or procedures which do not require the professional judgment of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse and shall not be considered the practice of nursing for which a license is required. Following validation of competency, with a documented order and under the direction of a physician, licensed independent practitioner, or nurse may administer medications to the patient via the appropriately ordered and permitted routes; oral, sublingual, buccal, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, inhalant, transdermal, vaginal, rectal, topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular. Any occurrence where the available drug exists in a strength where a dosage calculation is required by the CMA preparing to administer the medication, the calculation must be verified by a physician, independent licensed practitioner or nurse prior to administration. Administration of any high risk medications such as insulin, the dose should be verified by a nurse prior to administration – may only administer medications if a physician is on site in the office. Collects blood and bodily fluids for laboratory processing. Performs laboratory waived testing such as bedside finger stick glucose. Performs office procedures including general administrative duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sitting – 2-4 hours/day
• Lifting objects – 40 lbs. Max
• Bending – Occasionally
• Standing – 4-6 hours/day
• Hearing ability – Good H earing
• Reaching - Occasionally
• Walking – 4-6 hours/day
• Visual abilities – Good
• Stooping – Occasionally
• Pushing & Pulling – 10 lbs.
• Crouching – Occasionally
• Kneeling – Occasionally
• Exposure to chemicals-disinfecting agents

MENTAL & VISUAL DEMANDS:

Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, and to work effectively with other members of the health care team to coordinate services and provide quality care. Ability to keep accurate records of medical and information. Ability to evaluate data against both judgmental and verifiable criteria. Ability to remember large amounts of information and determines important portions to report. Ability to see and understand details on equipment used, i.e. thermometers. Ability to function with many interruptions. Ability to cope calmly and politely in highly stressful situations involving patients, visitors, or other healthcare workers. Ability to hear and understand messages from the page, intercom, telephone, and equipment; and responds appropriately. Ability to speak clearly when relaying messages to others. Ability to organize a large amount of work in an efficient, cost-effective way.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Physician Office. Exposure to blood and bodily fluids, chemicals for cleaning, medications and pathogens. Contact with manual and electronic equipment such as BP or EKG machine, computer terminals, and facsimile machines. Northern Regional Hospital (NRH), including all off site locations are tobacco-free campuses. In the event of inclement weather, this position is classified as an essential position. All essential personnel are expected to be at work during inclement weather.

NATURE OF WORK:

Under the direction of a physician or nurse, may perform common technical tasks or procedures which do not require the professional judgment of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse and shall not be considered the practice of nursing for which a license is required. Following validation of competency, with a documented order and under the direction of a physician, licensed independent practitioner, or nurse may administer medications to the patient via the appropriately ordered and permitted routes; oral, sublingual, buccal, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, inhalant, transdermal, vaginal, rectal, topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular. Any occurrence where the available drug exists in a strength where a dosage calculation is required by the CMA preparing to administer the medication, the calculation must be verified by a physician, independent licensed practitioner or nurse prior to administration. Administration of any high risk medications such as insulin, the dose should be verified by a nurse prior to administration – may only administer medications if a physician is on site in the office. Collects blood and bodily fluids for laboratory processing. Performs laboratory waived testing such as bedside finger stick glucose. Performs office procedures including general administrative duties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current CPR card or obtain within three months of hire.
• High School Diploma
• One year experience in medical assistance field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to perform venipuncture, EKG’s, waived laboratory testing, and injections
• Understands basic computer fundamentals.
• CNA certification

RESPONSIBILITIES 90% of time

1. Performs Aseptic procedures

2. Takes vital signs

3. Prepares patients for examination

4. Performs Phlebotomy and laboratory waived testing procedures

5. Performs EKG s or PFTs as ordered

6. Observes and reports patients signs or symptoms

7. Assists with patient examinations or treatments

8. Under the direction of the physician or nurse, may administer medications by unit dosage

9. Assures Compliance with CLIA, OSHA and Joint Commission regulations.

10. Assists patient education and counseling.

11. Cleans rooms after each examination and prepares for the next patient.

1 2. Stocks exam room and keeps instruments and equipment sterile and clean in clinical areas.

13. Makes follow-up calls for physician or physician extender as needed to assure quality care, including refills and initial drug therapy as order by extender and/or physician.

14. Documents accurately and fully all data collected and observations made regarding the patient’s status.

15. Maintains appropriate Medical Record process. Reports significant information to the physician or physician extender.

16. Reports significant information to the physician or physician extender.

17. Performs care as directed by physician, physician extender, or nurse.

18. Assist in patient education by way of relaying information as directed by the physician

19. Demonstrates the appropriate skills and ability, based upon the scope of practice or level or training, to be for the patient based on the age of the patients.

20. Assures all monthly safety, infection control and policy updates are done in a timely manner.

21. Assists with continuous quality improvement activities as assigned.

22. Explains procedure to patient in layman’s terms, ensures that patient understands procedure and or directions given.

23. Verifies identity of patient by established organizational policy, i.e., verbal communication, and verifying labels.

24. Disposes of needles and other contaminated supplies according to organizational policy and/or regulatory guidelines.

25. Follows organizational policy on glove wear; changes gloves after each patient. Uses proper PPE equipment as required for situation.

26. Assists with front desk as needed.

27. Assures all charges are placed on encounter forms or electronic health record.

28. Assures referrals, financial information and demographics are correct and accurate for each patient.

MISCELLANEOUS 10% of time

1. Adheres to all hospital policies and procedures those related to compliance, general and patient safety, infection control, ethical conduct, and personnel policies & procedures.

2. Maintains acceptable attendance which includes providing proper notification and advance notice for absence/tardiness. Returns from breaks & lunch promptly.

3. Ensures strict confidentiality of patient and NRH information at all times.

4. Assumes responsibility for attending all required in-service education classes including safety update program.

5. Works cooperatively and as a team player with co-workers.

6. Utilizes excellent customer service skills.

7. Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Current CPR card or obtain within three months of hire.
• High School Diploma
• One year experience in medical assistance field.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to perform venipuncture, EKG’s, waived laboratory testing, and injections
• Understands basic computer fundamentals.
• CNA certification