Medical Assistant

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Nursing, Physician, and RN, the Medical Assistant (MA) in the GI Center assists with endoscopy procedures and patient care. The MA is responsible for supporting physicians during GI procedures including EGD, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy, as well as the cleaning, processing, and high-level disinfection of scopes, accessories, and instruments as required. Must maintain current knowledge of and adherence to CDC Infection, Prevention and Control guidelines when handling blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Responsibilities include delegated patient care duties, specimen handling, clinical documentation, equipment preventative maintenance, monitoring and record keeping for equipment that has been high-level disinfected. Is responsible for contributing to this facility’s Core Values.

Reports to: Director, Nursing Services

Hourly Range: $18.75 - $27.46 per hour (posted hourly range excludes overtime and bonuses which are not guaranteed)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care & Clinical Support:

• Greets patients and the community in a respectful, professional manner, providing excellent customer service.
• Aids in explaining procedures to patients and preparing them for the endoscopy; communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors, and healthcare professionals.
• Prepares and reviews patient charts for upcoming visits, verifying that all diagnostic test results, hospital reports, and medical records are correct and up to date.
• Obtains and accurately records vital signs including pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure, EKG strip, weight, and height.
• Assists patients in all areas of care and mobility, including positioning and transfer (may require lifting up to 50 lbs).
• Records patient interview, history, and chief complaint; prepares patients for examinations and procedures.
• Obtains urine HCG; performs blood glucose testing and INR per physician orders.
• Observes patients and promptly reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments to the physician or RN.
• Informs the physician of patient-reported changes to aid in the ongoing assessment and plan of care.
• Assists with the transport and discharge of patients as needed.
• Assists in all rescue and/or resuscitative efforts as directed by the attending physician, anesthesia provider, and/or Director of Nursing.

Endoscopy Procedure Assistance:

• Correctly sets up the GI suite and ensures all equipment is functional prior to each procedure.
• Assists with endoscopy procedures (EGD, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, etc.) as directed by the physician and RN, within MA scope of practice.
• Applies abdominal pressure (splinting) as directed to facilitate advancement of the video endoscope through the intestine.
• Ensures that the patient has been properly grounded and that all electro-cautery equipment is functional prior to use.
• Utilizes endoscopy tools and devices such as dilators, balloon dilators, clips, and injection needles under physician supervision.
• Utilizes biopsy forceps and snares for obtaining biopsy/polypectomy specimens under physician supervision.
• Handles specimens obtained during procedures, including proper labeling, documentation, packaging, and preparation for shipment.
• Assists with patient positioning.
• Maintains basic knowledge of troubleshooting endoscopic equipment as needed during procedures.
• Properly disposes of waste following procedures in accordance with facility policy.

Scope Reprocessing & Equipment Maintenance:

• Performs proper manual cleaning, decontamination, high-level disinfection, and storage of all GI video endoscopes and accessories in accordance with manufacturer instructions, center policy, and nationally recognized guidelines.
• Follows manufacturer instructions and center policy for manual cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, and/or high-level disinfection of all GI equipment and accessories used in facility-approved procedures.
• Selects the appropriate cycle and sterilizes instruments in the autoclave per sterilizer, instrument, and container instructions.
• Maintains automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) and autoclaves per center policies and manufacturer guidelines; documents all maintenance in appropriate records.
• Monitors cleaning solution after each use for efficacy and records results appropriately.
• Responsible for daily preventative maintenance, monitoring, and record keeping for sterilized and/or high-level disinfected equipment.
• Ensures that all instruments and supplies are available as needed in assigned departments.
• Follows principles of aseptic technique and prescribed operating/procedure room procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of potential exposure to hazardous materials (patient body fluids, disinfectant chemicals) and location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS).

Documentation & EHR:

• Accesses patient health information in the clinical EHR and accurately enters data into the Center's EHR.
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of all patient care in the medical record.
• Engages in various clerical and recordkeeping duties as needed, including checking inventory, tracking referrals, and answering phones.

Environment, Safety & Quality:

• Maintains a clean work environment by cleaning reusable equipment and procedure rooms per center policies and procedures.
• Maintains medical supply inventory; monitors par levels, restocks needed items, and checks expiration dates.
• Participates in QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) and Safety Programs; attends a minimum of 80% of appropriate organizational meetings and trainings.
• Works well within a team environment and maintains positive working relationships, and fosters a cooperative work environment.
• Adheres to center policies and procedures, including the facility's Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct.
• Maintains and protects patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and the facility's Confidentiality Policy.
• Demonstrates the philosophy, mission, and Core Values of the hospital through words and actions.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Completes in-services and annual reviews as scheduled; attends staff meetings and reviews meeting minutes when unable to attend.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Seeks educational opportunities and accepts responsibility for own professional growth and development.
• Demonstrates the philosophy, mission, and Core Values of the hospital through words and actions.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant (MA) program required

Certification & Licensure:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) required.
• Current BLS/CPR certification required; must be obtained within 30 days of hire if not current at time of hire.
• Current State of Colorado license as a Medial Assistant

Experience & Knowledge:

• One (1) year of clinical healthcare experience required.
• One (1) year of experience in a GI, endoscopy, surgical, or primary care setting preferred.
• GI Tech or scope reprocessing experience preferred but not required; will train the right candidate.
• Demonstrated knowledge of asepsis, sterile technique, and infection control principles.
• Proficiency in basic office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, and fax. Basic computer skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and remain poised and professional when interacting with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with physicians and all medical professionals.
• Must maintain patient right to privacy; no discussion of privileged information outside the work area or within hearing range of visitors, family, or patients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Able to read, write, speak, and communicate clearly in English; bilingual skills are a plus.
• Able to maintain composure in difficult situations, including with verbally hostile patients and families.
• Able to operate a computer and use a keyboard.
• Able to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to position and transfer patients; may require lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving as required.
• Able to use hands to grasp, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Able to see and functionally differentiate colors, words, and numbers.
• Hearing must be functional, with or without correction.
• Able to use telephone and fax to place and receive calls and documents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Associates work in a combination of pre/post-op and procedure rooms.
• Well-lit and well-ventilated procedure rooms.
• Associates will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, environmental hazards such as needles, sharps, body fluids, and various infectious/communicable diseases. Protective clothing/equipment is required.
• Ability to work a minimum of eight hours per day and longer according to cases/staffing requirements.
• No weekends, nights, or holidays.
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced work environment.
• Reliable transportation required at all times.

Animas Surgical Hospital offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to health, dental, vision, & life insurance and 401k with employer matching

Animas Surgical Hospital is a drug free workplace and performs a pre-employment drug screen which includes marijuana.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS REQUIREMENTS – Aligns with CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Healthcare Personnel

• Hepatitis B- Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Hepatitis B or three doses Hep B vaccine at appropriate intervals
• Influenza- documentation of current seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory from November 1st through March 31st each year)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or 2 doses of MMR Vaccination
• Varicella (chickenpox) - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Varicella or 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) - documented proof of immunization
• Tuberculosis Screening - Documentation of a two-step TB skin test within the past year OR lab verification of a negative TB Gold or T-Spot tuberculin test within the past 6 months

• VACCINE RECORDS OR EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO 1ST DAY OF SCHEDULED WORK