Certified Medical Assistant - Western Sierra Medical Clinic - Kings Beach-Tahoe

Certified Medical Assistant for our Kings Beach Clinic the position is 4 days a week Monday - Thursday.  

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

Under medical provider, RN, or LVN direction and operating within the scope of practice as a medical assistant, provides nursing care for clinic patients following established standards and practices. The Medical Assistant directs patient flow, sets a patient friendly environment in the clinic and provides direct patient care, assisting the medical provider by preparing the patient for the visit, taking appropriate vital signs, collecting requested specimens and preparing the patient for medical procedures. The Medical Assistant at the direction of the medical provider, also performs CLIA waived laboratory testing, EKG’s, ear lavage, and gives immunizations and medications. They direct the patients flow by setting up medication refill requests, sorting and prepping paperwork and collecting and recording information for the provider. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provides direct patient care: takes vital signs, observes and checks for changes in patient’s condition, prepares patient for provider visit, recognizes patient’s nursing needs, abnormalities or urgent problems and uses or provides appropriate assistance and resources. 
• Assists provider during procedures, which may include administering treatments, such as ear lavage, dressing changes, specimen collection etc. Ensures specimens are ready for collection at appropriate time. Uses knowledge of and practices sterile technique and universal precautions during all procedures. 
• Ensures accurate medication is administered in the correct form and dosage such as immunizations, injections and oral medications within the scope of practice and/or utilizes resources available for medication administration. Ensures patients receive education regarding medications, dosage, side effects, purpose of medications and ensures patients understand all necessary information. 
• Documents all pertinent information in patient’s chart, including information and instructions given to patient related to test results, procedures and medications. Reviews and organizes medical record to ensure it is complete so that information can be brought to provider’s attention. 
• Answers patient calls and obtains complete information regarding patient’s condition and determines, in consultation with the provider, if patient needs to see provider and in what time frame. Returns patient calls, providing advice to patient as instructed by the provider. 
• Coordinates patient flow within the clinic and troubleshoots problems, including ensuring emergent patients are able to see provide, and communicating patient information to provider. 
• Responsible for recognizing signs and symptoms of emergent problems and notifying provider as necessary. Follows clinic procedures in case of emergency and is knowledgeable and able to perform CPR, and function effectively in a code situation. 
• Performs miscellaneous duties to maintain quality care and efficient patient flow for the clinic. These may include maintaining and caring for equipment, ordering and stocking supplies, answering patient calls and scheduling as needed for new, follow-up, and consult appointments, ensuring appropriate forms, authorizations and consents are utilized. 
• Provides emotional support to patients and families experiencing difficulty and notifies provider of any special problems or concerns. Refers patient or family to appropriate people if questions cannot be answered. Is aware of available resources within Western Sierra Medical Clinic and community. 
• Maintains good relations and fosters effective public relations with patients, medical staff and other providers. Demonstrates appropriate use of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques in dealing with patients, ie. Direct questions, silence, and touch. 
• Uses appropriate tools to communicate with providers and other staff, ie. Telephone, intercom and computer system. 
• Ensures confidentially of all patient, family, provider, and other staff information. Only discusses patient information when pertinent to care and only with appropriate personnel. Maintains computer confidentiality as well, by ensuring patients are unable to see screen and computer screens are locked out when not directly attended.  
• Follows established policies and procedures, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 
• Explains costs related to procedures and lab tests to patients prior to administering, or assures that the provider has done so.  
• Maintains a clean work environment in personal spaces, staff space and patient spaces such as exam rooms. 
• Maintains and cares for office and clinical equipment and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes equipment. Performs quality control procedures
• Uses appropriate safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of biohazard waste. 
• Priorities work and provides prompt and efficient services. 
• Participate in, and support, Quality Assurance measures as appropriate. 
• Tracks client data, specialty appointments and diagnostic tests. Follows up with patients who appear behind. 
• Attends educational updates. 
• Attends annual CPR certification. 
• Performs all other related duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires graduation from a recognized Medical Assisting program or equivalent on the job training.
• Certification as a Medical Assistant  
• BLS for the Health Care Provider or equivalent CPR class is required within 6 months and to be maintained throughout employment. Preferred at hire date.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
  • Aware of location of emergency equipment and able to participate in a code by providing basic life support within scope of practice. Aware of and practices infection control techniques in accordance with OSHA standards. Uses universal precautions. Utilizes good safety precautions and is able to implement fire evacuation plan. 
• General
  • Ability to problem solve and use good judgment on a case by case basis. Ability to effectively assess patient status in a variety of situations, within the MA scope of practice. Must demonstrate awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care and manage situations to reduce risk to the organization. Must have the ability to anticipate and organize workflow, prioritize and follow through on responsibilities.
• Human Relations Skills
  • Able to effectively communicate with, and promote cooperation between, multiple people including: patients and their families; physicians, nurses, social workers, etc. Able to communicate effectively and maintain composure among patients with complex mental, emotional or medical needs or among patients who are angry, frustrated or confused. 
• Typical Problem Solving
  • Evaluating patient-related situation and determining appropriate action. Solving problems related to patient flow, using medical knowledge to answer patients’ questions within scope of practice, and ensuring their needs are met even in the absences of the provider. Brings problem to other provider, licensed staff member, or supervisor to solve if needed. 
• Impact of Error
  • Must be thorough and accurate in all nursing functions. Errors could directly impact patient’s health. Substandard performance could impact the practice, patient satisfaction and the organization’s reputation. Improper care could also result in malpractice suits. 
• Resource Utilization 
  • Appropriate use and knowledge of equipment and supplies. Use of computer system to access information. 
• Systems and Other Data
  • Responsible for performing basic nursing functions in order to assist the provider in delivering quality care. Maintains confidentiality of all patient related data. Ensures confidentiality in handling and transporting patient documents. Does not discuss patient information with others unless pertinent to care. 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will involve frequent contact with patients and other health care professionals. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others can be constant and interruptive. Contact will involve dealing with people with illnesses, both acute and chronic.  Frequent exposure to potential communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids and other conditions common to a primary care clinic environment. 

This position has a salary range of $22.00-28.00 per hour.