Patient Care Assistant

Employment Type:Full timeShift:Day ShiftDescription:The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) will provide assistance with clerical and clinical activities inherent to physicians or advance care practitioners (ACP) practicing in the clinic setting. This assistance will be under the direct oversight of the physician or ACP. The physician or ACP will review and approve actions to taken at key junctures during patient care. The intention is to minimize the physician/ACP's clerical functions while maximizing his/her clinical role, thus improving patient flow and satisfaction, under the physician or ACP's direct oversight.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

  A.    Escorts patient to exam room.  Obtains and documents data to include but not limited to chief complaint, allergies, vital signs, pain level, medication history, and fall risk.  Obtains and reviews basic health history information.  Anticipates and prepares exam room with equipment and supplies required for the visit.  Providers must review and approve the data collected by the PCA.
  B.    Utilizes written MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center policies/procedures and universal pre-cautions when performing lab/diagnostic tests or procedures.  Performs, maintains and documents quality controls as applicable/requested, i.e., logs, proficiency tests, maintenance records, etc.
  C.    Assists in scheduling patients for office appointments, lab/diagnostic tests/referrals.  Reviews written test preparation handout with patient and documents in medical record.  Refers patient to provider/registered nurse if patient education is required.  
  D.    Completes charge ticket/submits charges in electronic health record to include and obtain the diagnosis from the provider, identifying and initialing all billable supplies and services. Obtains ABN per e-LMRP as necessary.
  E.    Documents notification/follow-up of phone messages under direct supervision of a provider.
  F.    Assists in cost containment by maintaining an adequate quantity of supplies in workstations, exam procedure rooms (lab and x-ray if applicable
  G.    Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPPA regulations.
  H.    May gather laboratory results, radiology reports, medical records, and other data for review by the physician.  All data will be reviewed by the physician or ACP.
  I.    Communicate waits and delays as directed by the nurse, ACP or physician.
  J.    Competent in EMR navigation and functionality as appropriate for their department and role in the organization.
  K.    Communicates with and performs duties following MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center –Guiding Behaviors and cultural beliefs.
  L.    Supports and abides by all medical center, departmental, and safety policies and procedures.  Proactively identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment. 
  M.    Acts in a professional manner reflecting the mission, philosophy and values of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and the Sisters of Mercy.
  N.    Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPPA regulations.
  O.    Takes an active role in enhancing ability to carry out job functions through personal and professional/job-related growth and development, and participates in medical center and/or departmental education programs.
  P.    Performs other responsibilities as requested by supervisor, manager or department head.

  ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS 

  A.    Participates in the training, orientation, and education of new employees.
  B.    Serves as a resource person for patients and other clinic staff.
  C.    Functions as a team member by providing back up when needed.

  POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  A.    Education: 
  1.    Successful completion of a formal Nurse Aid or Emergency Medical Technician course/training verified through transcript or original program certificate of completion OR 
  2.    Graduate of a Medical Assistant program OR
  3.    Currently enrolled in an A.D.N., B.S.N., program with successful completion of first semester of A.D.N. program, OR first year completion of nursing courses in BSN OR graduate of an A.D.N., Diploma, BSN or LPN program. OR
  4.    Registered on State of Iowa Nurse Aide registry listing as "Active" or eligible. 

  B.    Experience:  
  1.    A minimum of six months work experience in a health care facility performing duties relating to patient care is preferred.
  2.    Additional experience involving computer knowledge 

  C.    Special Skills and Competencies: 
  1.   Communication skills with the ability to maintain and display professionalism with customers and coworkers.
  2.   Organizational skills with attention to detail.
  3.   Computer skills
  4.   Flexibility and adaptability.
  5.    Functions as a patient advocate.
  6.   Typing speed of 35 words per minute (verified by testing) preferred 
   

• Job Description Purpose

  The Nursing Support (NS) colleague (uncertified, certified, unlicensed, or licensed) provides safe, quality health care services & / or assistance to patients under the supervision & direction of a registered nurse or other designated health care professional in accordance with level of experience, education, policies & procedures.

  Note: "patients" refers to patients, clients, residents, participants, customers, members

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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