Clinical Assistant (Ophthalmology: Beetham Eye Institute) - Joslin Diabetes Center

The Clinical Assistant supports the practice of ophthalmology in the Beetham Eye Unit by participating in the delivery of direct patient care and related administrative activities.

Hours are Monday - Friday, from 9:00am - 5:30pm.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

• Independently facilitate patient flow through appointments and the Eye Unit to ensure schedules remain on-time, updating patients and coworkers regarding delays or changes in schedule and placing patients in exam rooms in a timely and professional manner.
• Clean exam rooms and equipment using appropriate techniques under Joint Commission Guidelines or other applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Continuously find new ways to maximize space and improve efficiency in a fast paced environment,
• Monitor patients in waiting areas and exam rooms who are not being attended by other staff for safety and comfort, e.g. low blood sugar reactions, reaction to procedures done, etc...  Initiate treatment when appropriate by testing blood glucose, blood pressures, etc. Request assistance from a clinician or call a 1903; when necessary.           
• Manage daily logs keeping supplies and instrumentation up to DPH standards; including intravitreal injection drugs.
• Assist with tracking intravitreal injection medications that are provided by specialty pharmacies.
• Track and remind providers of patient coverage for intravitreal medications, including need for step therapy as mandated by insurance providers. 
• Maintain all stocked pharmaceuticals to the correct room temperature and verifying expiration dates.
• Ensure that the clinic is well stocked with supplies while maintaining appropriate PAR levels; keeping cost to a minimum.
• Order supplies through the Lawson database and monitor accurate pricing.
• Act as a liaison between drug vendors, the Practice Manager and clinicians so that all clinical needs are being met.
• Ensure exam rooms are stocked with necessary supplies and paper forms.
• Clean and prepare exam rooms for day’s activity as appropriate based on procedures to be done and equipment to be used.
• Close down rooms at the end of the clinical session by using standard closing procedures.
• Participate in ocular examination/procedures as requested by providers to assist with equipment operation and/or to help patient tolerate procedure  
• Set up for minor ocular surgical procedures, ensuring room and instruments are ready and assist during procedure as requested
• Assist in drawing up fluorescein for fluorescein angiograms
• Assist at providers’ request with set up of laser, preparation of lens, ensuring consent forms have been completed for with laser/cryo-therapy as requested
• Decontaminate and sterilize ophthalmic instruments following standard precautions and recommended guidelines.
• Monitor biological and wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments.
• Restock labels and maintain inventory.
• Perform environmental maintenance duties and assist in maintaining inventory PAR levels in a sterile processing and equipment storage.
• Verify equipment is functioning properly; requisitions for maintenance when needed.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Assist with maintaining departmental policies and procedure, quality improvement, safety and environmental infection control.
• Conduct weekly and monthly autoclave cycles testing
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma
• 1+ years of direct patient care preferred
• Experience in an ophthalmologic setting preferred
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Effective organizational and interpersonal skills to anticipate and react to the needs of patients and medical staff
• Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts
• Ability to function in fast paced, diversified work environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills (communicate clearly and effectively via verbal and written instruction)
• Attention to detail and ability to concentrate on multiple tasks
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities – through completion