Health Assistant II

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate of medical and/or nursing assistant program

• Two years of patient service experience

Additional Information

• Harvard University requires a pre-employment reference and background screening.

• Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

Position Description

CLINICAL:

• Sets priorities in organizing activities for the day to assure excellent patient care in conjunction with the clinical team and group leader.

• Demonstrates flexibility when unexpected changes in assignment occur.

• Identifies own learning needs and requests assistance from others when needed.

• Documents care provided using appropriate forms.

• Communicates to other staff members/group leader and/or clinician prior to leaving unit for break or lunch periods and prior to leaving for the day in order to ensure appropriate unit coverage.

• Maintains adequate inventory of exam room supplies.

• Monitors expiration dates of relevant supplies.

• Maintains adequate preparation of examination rooms at the beginning and end of the day and between each patient contact.

• Completes and documents daily exam room surveillance checks.

• Demonstrates skill and proficiency in maintaining patient flow.

• Demonstrates the ability to identify and respond to potential life threatening situations during telephone encounters.

• Demonstrates universal precautions in all care delivery.

• Demonstrates principles of medical asepsis through proper hand washing techniques, proper handling and disposal of infectious wastes, and proper handling of specimens.

• Adheres to policy and procedure regarding handling and processing of all specimens.

• Assists clinicians with pelvic examinations and pap smears.

• Provides patient instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures.

• Carries out proper procedure for reporting faulty equipment.

• Monitors PPI insuring nothing is viewed by patients or unauthorized personnel.

• Communicates abnormal findings/changes in patient status to appropriate team member.

• Maintains current CPR recertification.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates the ability to obtain and document accurate vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate.

• As requested, accurately performs and documents postural vital signs.

• Accurately performs and documents visual acuity testing.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to perform waived testing. Demonstrates the ability to fit patients with canes or crutches and instruct them in the correct use of these devices.

• Demonstrates the ability to set up an oxygen delivery system.

• Demonstrates the ability to set up nebulizer equipment.

• Demonstrates the ability to perform and document pulse oximetry.

• Demonstrates the ability to recognize a negative PPD skin test result.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Provides care to the adolescent through utilization of the following:

• Supplements explanations with reasons for "why?"

• Encourages questions regarding fears.

• Allows adolescent to maintain control.

• Realizes there may be resistance.

• Provides privacy.

Provides care to the adult patient through utilization of the following:

• Recognizes anxiety regarding potential chances in lifestyle resulting from illness.

• Provides education based on learning needs.

Provides care to the geriatric patient through utilization of the following when appropriate:

• Speaks distinctly due to loss of ability to discriminate sounds.

• Slows pace of explanation due to slowed cognitive functioning.

• Focuses objectives directly in line of vision due to decreased visual acuity.

• Maintains a safe environment based upon physical and psychological functions

COMPLIANCE:

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.

• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.

• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.

• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.

Job Summary

The Health Assistant II provides clinical and administrative support according to coverage needs. Clinical duties include, but are not limited to preparing examination rooms, performing EKGs and waived testing, maintaining patient flow, providing patient instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures, preparing medical records ensuring that confidentiality is maintained, and assisting clinicians during examinations and minor procedures. Administrative duties include assisting patients on the phone and in person, checking patients in and collecting copays, scheduling appointments (including outside tests), and other general office responsibilities, including sending out letters and routing messages to clinicians. Performs other related duties as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the clinical care team, assures the safe and satisfactory care of patients.

• Opens and closes the clinic according to written protocol.

• Collects and records all payments including insurance co-payments, inoculations, fee for service, and medical equipment.

• Demonstrates the ability to schedule patient appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system.

• Completes all the necessary information in scheduling patient appointments.

• Knowledgeable about and able to articulate insurance limitations to patients understanding when to refer patients to Member Services.

• Handles all emergency phone calls appropriately, efficiently, and according to emergency protocol.

• Schedules outside tests for patients.

• Appropriately sorts and distributes lab results to clinicians.

• Responds appropriately to patient requests for medical record information.

• Performs data entry.

• Performs general office responsibilities including typing and sending out letters.

• Assists patients by providing directions, escorting, transporting and ensuring their comfort and safety.