Clinical Assistant, per diem

About the role

The Clinical Assistant is responsible for direct care provided to patients and contributes to efficient operations in the patient care environment. Duties include obtaining vital signs, drawing and collecting blood samples, assisting with invasive procedures, supporting clinic operations, transporting patients and specimens, and maintaining the patient care environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper patient identification and maintains patient safety, privacy, confidentiality and follows guidelines under HIPAA.
• Obtains and records vital signs, pain screens, weights and heights accurately into Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Reports changes and/or abnormalities in vital signs; findings that are outside of defined parameters; and changes in patient’s conditions to the nursing/medical staff in a timely manner.
• Obtains specimens (urine, stool, sputum, etc.) and ensures accurate labeling in presence of patient. Instructs patients/family members in collecting specimens.
• Performs phlebotomy and EKG as applicable and is competent in the two patient identifier practice. May precept with specific training.
• Affords assistance with disease center specific procedural needs as applicable.
• Transports patients, medical records, specimens, blood components, equipment and supplies in accordance with Institute policy.
• Ensures that all patients on schedule are accounted for and communicates with providers/patients and colleagues as to approximate wait times.
• May be required to assist with research specific patient data entry as required.
• Affords assurance of an adequate stock of medical supplies, equipment, and forms.
• Affords assistance with medical record preparation.
• Properly cleans and maintains equipment and patient care environment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current computer systems used in clinical areas.
• Understands and utilizes the telephone/pager systems, including text paging staff, call system and emergency response system.
• Provides proactive instruction and time expectations to patient and family.
• Communicates patient and family status difficulties and concerns to appropriate staff.
• Attends mandatory training and education sessions, completes mandatory annual competency assessments and follows Institute policies.
• Accepts additional responsibilities based on the changing needs of patients, families, staff and unit.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework preferred.
• Clinical Qualification: 2 years of equivalent experience in a medical setting.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to function in a busy work setting with patients with complex needs.
• Demonstrates proficiency in technical skills.
• Demonstrates respectful and courteous behavior toward peers, co-workers, visitors and management.

Qualifications

• Developing technical expertise, applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.
• Works on problems of limited scope.
• Builds stable working relationships internally.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Phlebotomy certification may be preferred based on location (Yawkey 2, Satellites).
• BLS Certification required within 60 days of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No Patient Contact Yes, all ages.

Location

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.