Certified Medical Assistant

Description

The Medical Assistant is responsible for a variety of patient care, technical, and clerical related functions. The Medical Assistant is responsible for the clinic patient flow by assisting members of the patient care team and providing a broad range of health care services. The Medical Assistant may also be involved in the training and guidance of clinical staff. As a member of the patient care team, the Medical Assistant is also aware of the psychosocial needs of patients and families.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care under supervision of a physician, NP, PA, or registered nurse, relative to the patient’s age-specific needs and under various conditions.

• Perform patient check in, including obtaining and recording vital signs, height, weight, chief complaint, brief relevant history including pain status, allergies, current medication, and any other pertinent information for specific age groups. 
• Prepare patient for examination/procedure, as appropriate.
• Administer medications and immunizations orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intradermally, and by inhalation as ordered by provider, asking for assistance from RN or provider if unfamiliar with medication or procedure.
• Alert RN and/or provider of patient’s/family’s questions or issues related to medication administration.
• Review medical records for up-to-date problem list including patient reported medication and allergies and diagnoses that are documented by physicians or providers.
• Understand that the stress of illness may alter patient behavior and ability to follow through on plan of health care; interact with respect including situations where patient and/or family display anger or distress.
• Provide support and comfort to patients and families during clinic visits and procedures as needed, including chaperoning during sensitive examinations.
• Promote patient welfare and independence by communicating through words and actions and understanding of patients’ reactions to the healthcare environment.
• Participate in patient education by providing standardized, structured written/verbal information to patients regarding procedures, preparation for diagnostic tests, and chronic disease conditions as instructed by RN/MD.
• Refer patients who require further teaching interventions to an RN or provider.
• Provide emergency care to patients when necessary, using basic life support and automated defibrillator equipment, maintaining basic CPR certification.
• Assist provider with procedures including those requiring aseptic and sterile technique.
• As applicable to department operations, maintains competency and performs standardized phlebotomy procedures, basic specimen processing, and limited waived testing as delegated.
• Assist with quality measures, including maintenance and recording of required daily equipment checks, CLIA requirements, and calibration of equipment as needed in clinics where this is required.
• Document complete and accurate patient observations, care, and outcomes of interventions in the electronic medical record.
• Contribute to individual patient care planning.
• Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit.
• Other duties may be assigned as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school equivalent
• Certified as MA, CMA, RMA, or CCMA or eligible for certification. 
  • Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of hire date.
  • Or be licensed as an LPN in New Mexico.
• Must obtain CPR – First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification within the first 30 days of employment. 
• Must pass NMCYFD fingerprint clearance check to maintain employment. 
• Maintain a valid and unrestricted NM Driver’s License
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) both verbal and written is preferred, but not required. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Demonstrated customer–first attitude and philosophy.
• Ability to learn computer and application skills as applicable to role.
• Ability to interact with and work around people.
• Ability to make judgments in demanding situations.
• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to listen empathetically.
• Ability to logically organize details.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities.
• Knowledge of interpersonal communications in a complex organization.
• Commitment to respectful patient and family centered care.

Level and Degree of Supervision

Supervised by the Med Clinic Program Manager. Clinical Supervision provided by the Med Clinic Program Manager and Medical Director with direction from the consulting pharmacist, Psychiatrist and Nurse Practitioner.  Supervision to include one (1) hour per week supervision and participation in case staffing, general, and team meetings.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.