MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Job Specifications

Class Code:	NW7
Analyst:	CE, CH

Date Originated:	05/99
Date Revised:	09/16

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under supervision, provides direct patient care and technical support services to physicians or other licensed medical professionals.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the lower class of Community Health Worker II in that incumbents in the latter class are not trained and certified to administer medications by injection or draw blood. This class is distinguished from the next higher classes of Public Health Nurse, Clinical Nurse (RN), Detention LVN and LVN in that these classes are responsible for providing professional skilled nursing services and required license through the State Board of Nursing.

TYPICAL TASKS

Administer medication by intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Perform venipuncture or skin puncture for the purpose of withdrawing a blood sample. Perform ear lavage. Collect by non-invasive techniques and pressure specimens for testing including urine, sputum, semen and stool. Administer medication orally, sublingually, topically, vaginally, rectally or by providing a single dose to a patient for immediate self-administration. Administer medication by inhalation, if medication is identified as patient specific and order has been received by the physician. Perform electrocardiogram (EKG). Apply and/or remove bandages and dressings. Apply orthopedic appliances, such as: knee immobilizer and envelope arm sling. Remove casts, splints and other external devices. Select, adjust and instruct patient in proper use of crutches. Remove sutures or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations. Assist patients in ambulation and transfers to and from exam table, wheel chair, etc. Prepare patient for procedure with provider by positioning, draping, shaving and disinfecting treatment site. Take patients vital signs: temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration. Accurately record vital sign results in patient's medical record. Weigh and measure patient and accurately record results in patient's medical records. Perform vision and hearing screening and accurately record results in patient's medical record. Prepare equipment and instruments for sterilization and/or disinfection. Interview patients prior to provider examination, confirming the following data points: drug allergy history, record reason for visit/examination, record patient+s symptoms, assure that results of all previously ordered tests are present in the medical record. Prepare equipment/instruments needed by provider for a specific identified procedure or test. Assist in setting up and dismantling clinics, CHDP, Occupational Health, Family Planning, IZ, Ortho and DMC. Disinfect and clean exam rooms as appropriate following patient procedures, tests or examinations. Dispose of contaminated materials according to infectious waste policy and procedure. Dispose of needles and syringes in accordance with sharps policy and procedures. Stock examination rooms and other clinic areas with appropriate medical supplies, forms and equipment. Order and maintain supplies in the clinic. Schedule patient referral appointments. Take phone calls and deliver messages related to clinic business as needed. Keep Nursing Supervisor and/or Lead Nurse informed of clinic or patient issues, such as patient flow, coverage problems, etc. Keep records and documentation of all patient interactions and encounters. Provide assistance and support to provider in the course of patient procedure and examination.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• The use of measuring instruments.
• English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Medical terminology.
• Safety precautions necessary to move and position patients.
• Drug and medication interaction and counter indication when administering injections and/or oral and inhaled substances.
• Safety procedures when using specialized medical equipment.
• Universal precautions.

Working knowledge of:

• Rules and procedures of sanitation and safety as applied to the disinfection of examination rooms and medical equipment and disposal of contaminated waste.
• Scope of responsibilities and treatment techniques within the required certification.

Ability to:

• Administer medication using proper clinical techniques.
• Accurately operate medical equipment.
• Assist provider and patients in course of medical examinations.
• Draw blood samples using proper clinical techniques.
• Interact with patients and providers in a professional manner.
• Handle needle syringes and contaminated materials using established universal precaution.
• Use and operate cast cutter.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Accurately record and keep legible records and documentation.
• Adjust work pace to changes in workflow and assignments.
• Support or restrain patients as needed.
• Push a patient in a wheelchair or medical equipment, supplies and medical records through clinical unit on supply carts.
• Convert measurements and readings.
• Write instructions/directions for patients, providers and/or staff.
• Disinfect examination rooms and medical equipment.
• Move/ambulate and position patients.
• Establish and provide a sympathetic atmosphere for injured and ill patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Recognize and evaluate situations which call for the immediate attention of a physician, physician assistant/nurse practitioner or other nursing staff.
• Manage manipulative, hostile and sociopathic behavior effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Completion of medical assistant training pursuant to standards established by the Division of Allied Health Professionals Business and Professions Code of the Medical Practice Act, Medical Board of California.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

License Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Possession of a valid professional medical assistant certificate issued by 1) American Association of Medical Assistants, 2) The American Medical Technologist, 3) California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants, 4) Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute, Inc., or, 5) National Healthcareer Association.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting and a background investigation.

Other Special Requirements: In accordance with the Medical Practice Act of the Business and Professions Code, incumbents must be at least 18 years of age. Must possess the physical stamina and mobility to walk, stand, stoop, reach, bend and lift for long periods of time to treat patients.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: Allergens such as latex and soaps from frequent hand washing. Crying hysterical children and potentially hostile clients. Airborne and blood borne infections which might cause chronic disease or death. Odors such as unwashed clients, vomit, feces, urine and draining abscesses, fumes from cleaning supplies and solvents.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None.

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 44

Workers Comp Code: 0290