Job Title: Medical Assistant

Department: Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care (TONHC)

Division: As Assigned

Status: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Salary: $16.51 - 20.62/hr (DOE)

Position Summary:

This position aims to provide direct healthcare services to patients of various ages in a multi-specialty family practice environment. The incumbent performs basic patient care services and technical tasks.

Scope of Work:

This position serves in an ambulatory care setting and located at any one of the Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care facilities located in Sells, AZ, Santa Rosa, AZ, San Simon, AZ, or Tucson, AZ. The incumbent receives administrative direction from the Supervisory Clinical Nurse, or the Lead Nurse of the area to which assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Performs intake procedures by obtaining chief complaint, the purpose of visit, vital signs, pulse oximetry, height, weight, routing patients and labeling specimens, etc.
• Assists the RN, LPN, and MD by promptly reporting changes in the patient's condition.
• Initiates emergency measures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), appropriate to skill level, and retrieves emergency medical equipment.
• Assist health providers in examining patients by; explaining procedures, positioning the patient, assembling, arranging, draping instruments, and retrieving supplies.
• Obtain bacteriologic specimens, such as sputum and clean-catch urine specimens.
• Instructs patients in the proper collection of samples; prepare samples for analysis, e.g., labels specimen tubes. Routes requisition forms to laboratory and x-ray as needed.
• Files results of various tests in the patient's medical record.
• Assists with escorting/transporting patients to various hospital departments (i.e., laboratory, radiology).
• Explains to the patient, Instruct patients on the patient's role in various procedures, and assists with chaperoned examinations.
• Ensures patients understand care instructions provided by the professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, and medical staff.
• Document patient care information on the patient's PCC Ambulatory Care Record and electronic health record (EHR).
• Performs simple wound dressings and treatments without assistance, assists with cleaning, irrigating, dressing complex wounds, and conducts skin care measures.
• Assist in inhalation therapy-obtains Peak Expiratory Flow Rates and sets up small volume nebulizers.
• Perform urinary catheterization procedure.
• Performs 12-Lead EKGs and reports to RN/MD.
• Performs venipuncture for blood draws within the MA's scope of practice.
• Performs blood glucose testing and records results using a glucometer. In addition, perform other waived tests as indicated by laboratory policy. Ensure accurate glucometer accuracy and record-keeping in compliance with laboratory requirements; reports to RN or MD findings in medical records.
• Perform hearing and vision screening.
• Applies orthopedic soft goods and splints to treat various orthopedic injuries.
• Administers oral medications, performs subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment by preparing examination rooms and tables.
• Obtains medical records and screens charts, including having the patient complete required forms relating to the patient’s visit.
• Checks and restocks examination areas/room after each use and at the end of each shift.
• Maintains the inventory of supplies ordered and received.
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner when in contact with patients, family, and other customers.
• Answers the phone and provides routine information.
• Assist with making patient appointments and scheduling.
• Attends and completes all mandatory training per hospital policy.
• Participate in the continuous Performance Improvement Program.
• Assists in the orientation of new personnel.
• Adheres to Privacy Act regulations, HIPAA and maintains patient confidentiality.
• Contribute to a team effort.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge using standard equipment, materials, and supplies in diagnostic and treatment procedures that support patient care.
• Knowledge of the Privacy Act of 1974 mandates the incumbent to maintain the confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and personnel records.
• Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191 (HIPAA).
• Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures common to the multi-disciplinary service to record and report tests and radiological results.
• Knowledge of disease processes and illness to teach patients’ and self-care.
• Knowledge of the procurement system established and the methods used to supply the Ambulatory Care Department.
• Knowledge and understanding of the cultural needs of the patient.
• Knowledge and understanding of safety and infection control standards, performance improvement and accreditation standards.
• Skills in computer use to document in the Electronic Health Record.
• Skill in interpersonal communication to teach patients self-care.
• Ability to deal independently with life-threatening emergencies, such as a patient in cardiac arrest.
• Ability to work effectively under mental and emotional pressure of emergencies.
• Ability to perform various clinical skills such as obtaining vital signs, administering immunizations, injections for a skin test, drawing blood, running laboratory tests, performing EKGs, removing sutures, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain privileged, confidential information.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.