Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- West Houston

About the role

The Medical Assistant (MA) works under the direction and supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. The MA is primarily responsible for encounter documentation, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting medical providers during examinations. The MA also assists in maintaining supplies, supporting a safe and clean environment, as well as supports and acknowledges SBCHC’s Mission and Vision. The MA will work directly with vulnerable populations including but not limited to Communities of Color, Women with Children, Pediatrics, Youth, Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness, People Living with HIV/AIDS, and individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders (SUDs) including co-occurring issues.

It is the policy of SBCHC that MAs must perform duties only within limitations of the scope of practice and in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the Medical Board of Texas. It is the responsibility of the MA to know their limitations and abide by the regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Administer medication orally, sublingually, topically, vaginally, rectally, or by intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injection (injections require additional training)
• Complete prior authorizations for medication and imaging orders, and call in refills to a pharmacy under the direct supervision of the medical provider per Standing Orders – Prescription Refills
• Document patient encounter intake based on visit type appropriately and accurately into the electronic health record
• Collect and record patient data such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, height and weight, pain management, and IPV screening tool
• Documentation may include but not limited to: social history, family history, surgical history, medical history, gynecology, and obstetrics history
• Perform procedures including but not limited to administering injections, collecting specimens, electrocardiogram, hearing test, vision tests, in-house point of care testing, lab draws, and ear lavage
• Apply and remove bandages and dressing to superficial incisions or lacerations; apply orthopedic appliances such as knee immobilizers, envelope slings, and similar devices
• Remove sutures or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations
• Prepare patients for and assist the licensed healthcare professional in examinations or procedures including positioning, draping, shaving and disinfecting treatment sites
• Monitor pending referrals, notify patients of lab results and diagnostic results based on providers written orders, obtain consult notes, and document attempts within eClinicalWorks
• Maintain cleanliness and supplies in each patient room, complete room checklists, and notify appropriate personnel of clinical supply shortages
• Disinfect all medical equipment and exam room tables and surfaces after each patient encounter
• Complete sterilization by autoclave, autoclave maintenance, including spore testing weekly (requires additional training)
• Complete daily huddles with care teams, including providers
• Administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency
• Prepare charts by completing pre-visit planning including ensuring lab result retrieval, medical record retrieval, vaccination history, etc.
• Obtain consents for treatment, and review vaccine screening checklist forms
• Uphold strict patient confidentiality requirements required by federal and state law
• Maintain strict scope of practice (see Medical Assistant Scope of Practice)
• Actively provide willingness to help and maintain professional relationships with coworkers
• Perform other duties as assigned, within scope of practice
• Attend all staff meetings and mandatory In Service meetings
• Observe and acknowledge all SBCHC policies and procedures, including all emergency and disaster response responsibilities
• Participate in Compliance, Risk and Safety, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement initiatives
• Always greet patients, visitors, and clinical staff in a courteous and respectful manner; respond to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills; consistently handle all requests in a positive manner

Qualifications

• Graduate of approved high school or GED equivalent
• Medical assistant certificate; Certified Medical Assistant Certificate strongly preferred
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or BLS equivalent
• Medical Assistant experience within Federally Qualified Health Center’s or equivalent preferred
• Multi-lingual, English/Spanish required
• Available for all shifts/assignments and, when required, able to work evenings and weekends