Job Summary:
The Clinical Assistant 2 provides comprehensive care to patients across all age groups in a rural ambulatory care clinic. This role supports efficient clinic operations and patient flow by performing advanced clinical tasks, administrative duties, and data management. Responsibilities include patient preparation, vital signs collection, specimen handling, assisting with procedures, patient education, and collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure high-quality care delivery.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare for patient visits by reviewing charts and necessary forms.
- Obtain and record age-appropriate vital signs such as temperature, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and visual acuity.
- Update medical and medication histories and document information accurately in patient charts.
- Maintain patient records and ensure all forms and medical data are properly organized.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to signs or symptoms requiring prompt intervention.
- Transport patients within the facility as needed.
- Set up equipment and supplies for routine exams, minor procedures, and office surgeries.
- Assist with procedures, treatments, minor surgeries, and specimen collection following established protocols.
- Perform point of care testing and apply treatments such as heat/cold packs, oxygen, and abdominal binders as ordered.
- Assist patients with ambulation, transfers, and minor treatments including dressing changes, nebulizer treatments, cast removal, and DM foot screenings.
- Provide basic patient education and discharge instructions as directed by providers.
- Sanitize exam rooms and maintain sterile equipment integrity.
- Maintain and organize lab equipment and medical supplies, including inventory and restocking.
- Dispose of waste and infectious materials according to infection control standards.
- Conduct routine quality assurance checks on equipment and maintain logs.
- Utilize electronic health record systems and computer-based health information systems effectively.
- Answer general inquiries, assist patients and staff, and manage telephone communications professionally.
- Make patient confirmation calls as needed and provide cross-coverage support to peers and other clinics.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, comply with scheduling and dress code policies, and address workplace concerns appropriately.
Required Skills & Certifications:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Completion of Clinical Competency within 3 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
- One of the following: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program completion, one year experience as Clinical Assistant 1 with competency assessment, one year experience as CNA, EMT, or CHA.
- Knowledge of clinic procedures, medical terminology, and age-appropriate vital signs and patient behaviors.
- Proficient communication, customer service, and computer application skills.
- Ability to multi-task and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Competence operating medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and EKG machines.
Preferred Skills & Certifications:
- Experience with various EMR systems and accurate patient data recording.
- Training or experience in healthcare customer service.
- Ability to train others and participate in ongoing professional development.
- Experience working in rural or ambulatory care settings.
Special Considerations:
- Must demonstrate ability to maintain clinic flow while managing patient care duties.
- Requires adherence to infection control standards and safety protocols.
- Cross-coverage responsibilities to support peers and other clinics as needed.
- Participation in staff meetings and compliance with departmental policies.
Scheduling:
- Work schedule determined by departmental guidelines to ensure efficient clinic operations.
- Shifts may vary to support clinic hours and patient needs.
- Compliance with scheduling policies and participation in unit goal setting expected.