Patient Care Specialist

Title Code:  52120

Patient Care Specialist

Expectations for All Employees

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:

PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential;
RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;
DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;
EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;
EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.

Definition 

Employees in this class are under general supervision.  Work performed involves a variety of tasks in an ambulatory health care setting, including assisting physicians and professional nurses  in all aspects of clinical care, administering injections, performing EKG's, gathering specimens, assisting with special procedures and general workups, and performing other related non-professional nursing and clerical duties as required.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Provides patient triage, performing EKG’s, spirometry testing, medication injections, administering child and adult immunizations, and assisting physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with medical procedures.

Performs quality controls on CLIA waived tests (pregnancy strip, urine dipstick).

Maintains temperature logs for refrigerator and freezer.

Performs monthly inventory for medications, crash cart, minor surgery supply room, and each nursing site.

Assists with minor surgical procedures and physical examinations.

Prepares and cleans specialized equipment (EGD scope, sigmoidoscope, colposcope, cryogun, electrocautery, nasolaryngoscope, etc.)

Cleans examinations rooms after each patient visit and removes biohazardous waste.

Prepares and administers medications as directed by physicians/nurses (pills, injections, IU solutions, oral solutions, topical preparations, etc.)

Collects and processes specimens.

Performs urinary catheterizations for diagnostic or specimen collection purposes as directed by a physician.

Performs diagnostic and/or therapeutic tests/treatment as directed (EKG’s, spirometry, tympanometry, peak flow readings, inhalation therapy, audiometry, pulse oximetry, assisted ear wash/irrigation, etc.).

Assists in emergency situations that effect center or clinic.

Assists, as needed, in the instruction of patients, residents, and students relating to center - policies and procedures.

Provides patient education as needed.

Assists, as needed, with community outreach activities (health fairs including Regional Area - Medical, search committees, etc.)

Serves on task forces or committees for various university, department, or community purposes, as needed.

Performs other related administrative and clinical duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of nursing.

Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

Knowledge of modern medical office practices, procedures and equipment.

Ability to provide basic nursing care.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the patients, the public and other employees.

Ability to handle confidential patient records in a responsible manner. 

Recommended Qualifications

Applicants possessing these qualifications have a good probability for success in this class.  However, applicants not possessing these qualifications should apply if they believe their training and experience will enable them to perform the work successfully.  High school graduate; CMA (AAMA certification) or LPN required; continuing education required to maintain licensure/certification status; 1-2 years clinical experience in an ambulatory care setting is preferred.  Verification of Hepatitis B immunization and current CPR card required.

  Date      Skill          Eval          
8/1/12       8          723033322

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.