Job Description

The Clinical Assistant will perform various duties under the supervision and/or direction of a Department or Nurse Manager and/or Supervisor depending on area of assignment. The three principal duties of this position are:

Clerical/Patient Registration: Performs; receptionist duties, unit clerk laboratory duties, or patient registration duties; functions as the center of communication for areas assigned.

Technician: Operates an Electrocardiograph machine to record electromotive variations and impulses of the heart for use in the diagnosis of heart disorder

Phlebotomist: Collects blood and other patient samples from Emergency Care Center patient population.

A Clinical Assistant \xe2\x80\x93 II functions in all three of the areas listed above and maintains associated competencies. Provides the essential direct link between the patient and testing service both in providing interpersonal contact and technical competence in obtaining appropriate patient samples. Performs other technical skills as trained.

Special Criteria Details

Two 12-hr & Two 8-hr shifts. *WAIVER REQUIRED. External candidates are eligible for a one-time signing bonus of $4,000 (prorated for part time roles). Please note that current University of Vermont Health Network employees are excluded from eligibility for this bonus. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Responsibilities

• As directed, takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, intake/output measurements, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry.
• Documents/Communicates care consistently and timely to team leader RN to include any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, clean, stocked and functional environment.
• Provides care according to standards to the patient requiring restraints / protective / supportive devices, fall protocol, wandering / elopement / suicide / abduction and seizure precautions.
• Demonstrates competence in crisis prevention intervention.
• Performs in crisis and emergency (e.g. cardiopulmonary arrest and the Heimlich maneuver) while maintaining a positive calm approach.
• Provides care using infection control practices as outlined in Medical Center policies/procedures (e.g. Universal Standard Precautions and Isolation Techniques).
• Demonstrates knowledge/ability to effectively use applicable devices and technology (computer, urinary catheter, etc.)
• Supports fluctuation in patient care needs by floating/overtime when required.
• Works effectively with RN in carrying out delegated duties on assigned patient care teams.
• Maintains stock supplies in conjunction with Materials Management. Cleans and restocks surgical instruments daily.
• Assists physician and nursing staff with surgical, medical and orthopedic procedures as directed.
• Assists with the discharge of patients under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse or physician.
• Performs electrocardiograms.
• Recognizes, identifies, and takes appropriate actions, according to physician instructions, for arrhythmias, blood pressure and/or signs and symptoms.
• Collects blood samples from neonates to the geriatric patients via venipuncture or capillary method.
• Informs the patient or consenting adult of the anticipated procedure.
• Identifies indications for specific size of venipuncture needle/collection device.

Identifies blood collection tubes for blood collection. * Identifies contraindications for specific extremity, or area of venipuncture.

• Performs venipuncture using accepted technique.

Secures area of venipuncture with tape and dry dressing. * Performs collection of some non-blood specimens such as throat cultures as outlined in the phlebotomy procedure manual.

• Provides patients with instructions and containers for collection of urine, stool and sputum cultures.
• Properly identifies all patients before obtaining any specimen.
• Labels all specimens according to labeling standards.
• Provides care for the patient required bedside blood glucose monitoring.
• Provide monitor watching in main ED and BDU for Behavioral Health patients.

CLERICAL ASSIGNMENTS * Performs receptionist/clerical duties as assigned.

• Prepares, distributes and files patient paperwork as needed.
• Enters diagnostic orders into order entry system.
• Provides for safe, orderly and efficient communication and functioning of the unit\xc3\xa2\xe2\x82\xac\xe2\x84\xa2s in all situations to include crisis and STAT needs.
• Provides for orderly admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
• Performs duties using proper infection control practices as outlined in CVPH policies/procedures/protocols.
• Demonstrates knowledge/ability to effectively use the order entry system, message center and other applicable computer programs.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use technology (e.g. computer, fax machine) per policies.
• Maintains patient records in appropriate order and with necessary and accurate posting, including thinning charts according to policy.
• Maintains assignment boards, bulletin boards and other communication sources including the recording and delivering of messages.
• Demonstrates positive telephone etiquette.
• Contacts personnel (in cooperation with Clinical Operations Supervisors) to work in case of call-ins due to illness or other reasons.
• Obtain medical records.
• Assist with transport of patients to other destinations, as directed.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DUTIES * Keeps patients informed regarding updates in condition.

• Assists in waiting room management.
• Performs patient rounding throughout the Emergency Department.
• Provides for precise, timely and accurate transcription of all orders per CVPH guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or G.E.D.
• Ability to pass a medical terminology exam upon hire or have passed a medical terminology class in the past 2 years required.
• CPR certification or ability to acquire.
• Computer knowledge or willingness to learn computer skills.
• Previous acute bedside hospital experience as Clinical Assistant, Nurse Aide, or EMT within the past 2 years required.
• Ability to perform detailed assignments and work under pressure and possesses a high level of interpersonal communication skills to relate to patients, hospital staff and visitors.

As applicable, the individual has training/competency in attending to the special needs and/or behaviors appropriate to the age of the patients for which care is being provided.

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital