The Clinical Assistant provides essential support to healthcare professionals in various medical settings, ensuring efficient patient care and smooth clinical operations. This role combines patient interaction, administrative tasks, and basic clinical duties.
Key Responsibilities:
- Patient Care Support:
- Assist in preparing patients for examinations by taking vital signs, recording medical histories, and explaining procedures.
- Support healthcare providers during patient exams, treatments, and procedures.
- Provide basic patient care, including assisting with mobility, hygiene, and dressing.
- Clinical Duties:
- Prepare examination rooms by setting up instruments and supplies.
- Clean and sterilize medical equipment and instruments.
- Assist in collecting specimens, performing EKGs, and other basic diagnostic tests.
- Administer medications or injections as directed by healthcare providers.
- Administrative Tasks:
- Schedule patient appointments and manage patient check-ins.
- Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, including inputting data into electronic health records (EHR) systems.
- Handle communication with patients, such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and providing information about procedures or follow-up care.
- Assist with billing, insurance claims, and other clerical duties as needed.
- Patient Education:
- Educate patients on medical conditions, treatment plans, and home care instructions.
- Provide information on medication management, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff to ensure coordinated care and efficient workflow.
- Participate in team meetings to discuss patient care plans and any operational issues.
- Compliance and Safety:
- Adhere to healthcare regulations, standards, and protocols, including patient confidentiality and infection control procedures.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following safety guidelines and reporting any hazards.
Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a clinical assistant program is preferred.
- Certification: CPR/First Aid certification required; additional certifications (e.g., phlebotomy) are a plus.
- Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare setting is beneficial but not always required.
- Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with basic computer skills and familiarity with EHR systems.
- Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Compassionate and patient-focused with attention to detail.
Work Environment:
- The role is typically based in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
- May require standing for extended periods and occasional lifting of medical equipment or patients.
Schedule:
- Full-time or part-time, with potential for shifts during evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the facility's operating hours.