Medical Assistant-Preoperative Evaluation Center

Medical Assistant Position

Assists the nursing staff and physicians by maintaining an efficient operation with the goal of delivering optimal, technical patient care.

Minimum Qualifications

If hired prior to 1997:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Obtain certification in Basic Life Support or Heart Saver First Aid within 30 days of hire date.

If hired after 1997:

• Graduate of a Medical Assistant Program
• Obtain certification in Basic Life Support or Heart Saver First Aid within 30 days of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registration or Certification preferred.
• One-year experience as a Medical Assistant or patient care preferred.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Does simple data collections and tabulation for statistical purposes.
• Coordinates patient flow through assigned area(s).
• Assigns patients to appropriate geographic areas (exam rooms, infusion bays, etc.).
• Accurately logs and files patient information as requested.
• Faxes signed release of information consent to appropriate facility as requested.
• Obtains radiology results from WVUH/UHA systems as requested by MD.
• Contacts outside facilities and ancillary departments for recent patient testing results as requested by MD.
• Delivers the faxed testing results to the MD for review.
• Obtains and documents patient data such as age, height, weight, intakes and outputs, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, pulse oximetry, allergies, medication/immunization list and patient functional screening as requested by MD. Reports abnormal findings to RN/MD.
• Performs adult and pediatric phlebotomy and capillary puncture as ordered.
• Obtains patient point of care and clinical lab specimens as ordered; accurately completes quality control testing and documentation.
• Arranges specimen transport to laboratory assuring delivery within half-hour of collection.
• Answers patient phone calls, documents information and reports to MD.
• Calls patients with instructions from physician; documents telephone encounter.
• Completes patient phone calls to verify appointment date and times; documents telephone encounter.
• Schedules appointment/s as necessary.
• Reports changes in patient's condition to a RN / MD.
• Checks the integrity of the patient's monitoring, invasive devices and oxygen as requested and reports back to MD; intervenes in emergency situations to ensure patient safety.
• Assists health care team in emptying wound drains, urinary catheter and other catheter drainage units.
• Assists health care team by performing tasks such as answering phone, paging staff, and minor clerical duties in the designated area under the supervision of a physician.
• Provides total care within scope of practice, related to activities of daily living.
• Provides respiratory support by properly setting up equipment needed for oxygen administration.
• Administers intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections (excluding chemotherapy agents) as prescribed by physician.
• Explains post-visit instructions to patients and significant others accompanying the patient. Reports status to RN / MD prior to transfer or departure from the department.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Applies specialized step-by-step knowledge of entire procedures to assist as a member of the medical team or to personally conduct procedures.
• Takes corrective action independently or as a team member.
• Orders supplies and restocks supplies in the patient care areas at defined times.
• Monitors supplies for outdated items and returns to Materials Management or discards as appropriate.
• Safely transports patients and patients' possessions, supplies, equipment, instrumentation, labs and blood to and from various areas.
• Runs errands as directed in a timely manner, including specimens to pathology.
• Removes sutures under the direction of a physician and after competency validated.
• Performs preoperative skin clip preps, holds extremities during surgical preps, lifts, moves, and assists in positioning patients during procedures.
• Performs unit responsibilities to include: documenting on procedure records and completing patient charges for procedures as appropriate.
• Explains post-procedure instructions to patients and significant others accompanying the patient. Observes patients for adverse effects and reports to RN/MD prior to transfer or departure from the unit or hospital.
• Assists with the training and certification of staff members and Fellows on proper care and maintenance of procedure equipment.
• Responsible for coordination, maintenance, and ordering of supplies, instruments and equipment for procedures as appropriate.
• Maintains safe and clean staff work areas.
• Follows infection control guidelines to ensure unit safety and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Maintains clean patient areas before and after use as needed.
• Performs terminal room cleaning procedures or isolation room clean up in patient care areas if necessary.
• Monitors use and working condition of equipment.
• Assists with processing of instruments between cases (wash and sterilized by heat/autoclave or high-level disinfection).
• Assists with preparation of various cleaning and lubricating solutions used in decontamination of instruments, equipment and rooms.
• Performs basic maintenance tasks as needed, i.e. change cubicle curtains, etc.
• Transports trash and linen to designated staging area as needed.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills and Abilities

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Non-Exempt

Company: WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center: 38 WVUH Nursing Pre Admission

Address: 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.