Certified Medical Assistant or License Practical Nurse

About the Role

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of the Primary Care Nurse Manager, MD, or RN Supervisor. The CMA follows the plan of care established by the physician and assists in providing clinical care for patients of all ages in outpatient and satellite clinics.

Responsibilities

Administrative Duties

• Answer phones and schedule appointments
• Greet patients and update patient registration information
• Prepare and type correspondence
• Process, code, and complete insurance claim forms
• Process mail
• Maintain supplies and equipment
• Arrange hospital admissions and outside referrals under physician direction
• Call prescriptions to the pharmacy for the physician

Clinical Care

• Take and record vital signs, reporting deviations to the registered nurse or physician
• Record patient interviews, history, and chief complaints
• Provide patient education regarding CIH policies, including pain contracts, medications, home treatments, and special diets
• Prepare patients for examinations and perform routine screening tests
• Perform phlebotomy and collect lab specimens (urine, stool, throat cultures, sputum)
• Perform basic lab tests and EKGs
• Prepare and administer medications with physician authorization (excluding IV preparation/administration)
• Change dressings, apply bandages, remove sutures, and perform first aid procedures
• Maintain supplies, equipment, stocking, and sterilizing instruments
• Complete finger stick glucose monitoring
• Assist primary care providers with diagnostic tests and patient examinations
• Monitor intake and output, including IVs
• Perform vision acuity (Snellen) tests
• Document vital signs and other medical data in appropriate records
• Initiate resuscitative measures in emergencies
• Operate specialized medical equipment (suction pumps, oxygen equipment, automatic BP cuffs, oxygen saturation units)
• Recognize malfunctioning or unsafe equipment and take corrective action
• Initiate safety measures to protect patients
• Maintain a safe environment through Universal Precautions, Body Substance Isolation, medical waste/chemical management, and OSHA compliance
• Isolate infected patients and clean patient contact areas/equipment
• Promote patient advocacy and confidentiality
• Participate in ongoing nursing quality assurance programs
• Utilize Electronic Health Record (EHR) and care management platforms for documentation

Requirements

• Associate of Applied Science degree from a CAAHEP-accredited college (preferred)
• Certification through NHA, AMT, AAMA, NCCT, or NAHP
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (can be acquired post-appointment)
• 2 years of experience (preferred)
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to perform basic clinical care for acutely ill patients and assist with daily living activities
• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, techniques, and theories to meet physical, emotional, spiritual, and socio-cultural needs of patients across all age groups (infancy to elderly)
• Skill in assisting primary care providers with treatments and examinations in outpatient settings
• Practical knowledge of treatment plans (e.g., dressing changes, soaks)
• Knowledge of specimen handling, vital signs, and recognizing abnormal values
• Basic knowledge of diseases, illnesses, and reporting changes in patient condition
• Familiarity with medical facility organization, services, regulations (e.g., COBRA), and medical terminology
• Knowledge of diseases, medical/surgical procedures, and standard abbreviations
• Proficiency in recording and documenting medical information
• Skill in operating specialized medical equipment (e.g., suction pumps, oxygen equipment)
• Ability to establish interpersonal relationships with patients and staff
• Adaptability to staffing shortages, emergencies, and fluctuating patient volumes

Work Environment

• Flexible hours, including potential on-call and callback shifts
• Work performed in clinic settings with exposure to communicable diseases
• Moderate risks of exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals, and explosive gases
• Compliance with Employee Health Program guidelines and safety precautions (e.g., PPE)
• Considerable physical effort: walking, standing, bending, pushing, lifting, and moving patients/equipment

Additional Details

• Supervision received from RN Lead and Director of Nursing for Primary Care
• Work evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards
• Contacts with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies to coordinate care
• Access to confidential patient information; strict adherence to Privacy Act required
• Responsibility for accuracy in work; errors may impact patient outcomes and hospital efficiency
• Customer service expectations aligned with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values