Triage Medical Assistant

Description

Job Description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE: We are looking for a Triage Medical Assistant to work onsite in conjunction with our call center department. Under general supervision, the Triage MA will perform care coordination and professional nursing functions to assess the severity of the patient’s health concerns using protocols and algorithms in a manner that provides patient dispositions to emergency care, clinic provider appointments, and triage MA clinic services within the scope of the practice. 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interviews patient (if possible) and/or family to obtain medical histories and to make an accurate assessment.
• Use a specific set of guidelines when performing patient assessments to determine how severe their condition is and how urgent their needs are, exactly what type of attention they need, which medical professionals are needed for consultations and which place in the queue for admission they should occupy.
• Assigns a triage priority based on observations and available information.
• Initiates diagnostic and therapeutic measures as indicated by standing protocols.
• Calls for crisis intervention if appropriate.
• Communicates and acts as liaison with patients, family, and health professionals in a manner that respects confidentiality and dignity.
• Coordinates the needs of the patient with supporting departments and assists in solving problems related to the welfare of patient and staff.
• Charts concisely, descriptively, and legibly indicating patients progress or lack of progress.
• Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates understanding of and adheres to the hospitals infection control protocols.
• Demonstrates compliance with exiting standards and policies.

Requirements

 REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must have demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide appropriate care to all age groups.
• Must be able to make good professional decisions quickly despite stressful atmosphere.
• Ability to handle stressful and constantly changing conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Current state license as a Medical Assistant.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in medical/surgical and one year of experience in critical or emergency care with specialized triage training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand and walk for extensive periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, squat, or bend frequently.
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff.
• Exposure to patient elements including communicable disease and bloodborne pathogens.
• Exposure to toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, and other common hazards of a healthcare atmosphere