Medical Assistant

ABOUT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we proudly rank in the top 13.6% of U.S. hospitals, recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. With over 850 dedicated employees and 100+ expert providers across 25 specialties, we are committed to exceptional, patient-centered care. Set in northern Wyomings stunning Big Horn Mountain foothills, Sheridan offers outdoor adventure and community charm. Our hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a collaborative, innovative culture. Join a team that values your skills, fosters growth, and empowers you to impact lives meaningfully. Apply today and be part of Sheridan Memorial Hospitals mission of excellence!

Nestled at the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming, spectacular scenery and outdoor activities abound. Our hospital has the latest technology and equipment comparative to that of many larger facilities, and you will find our staff is friendly, compassionate, caring, and courteous. We focus on creating and nurturing a workplace that encourages, recognizes, and rewards individual effort and creativity. Leadership is responsive to changing modes of healthcare delivery and adapts accordingly. We value effective communication and honesty and believe teamwork based on mutual respect is key to success.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, assists in the delivery of patient care/treatment and provides clerical and administrative support. Works collaboratively with the Physician, Non-Physician Provider, RN, LPN, and other departmental personnel to meet the physical, psychosocial, educational, and spiritual needs of the patient and family.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Professional Practice

• Adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with other departments in a professional manner as needed to provide patient-centered care.
• Demonstrates effective communication, conflict resolution, team building, and leadership skills.
• Compliance with Sheridan Memorial Hospitals Kindness First Service Standards.
• Creates and maintains an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit shift.
• Cleans patient rooms after discharge.
• Prepares room, equipment, and supplies as dictated by a particular examination or patients needs.
• Assists with scheduling admissions, appointments, diagnostic tests, treatments, procedures, and surgery.
• Screens incoming telephone calls for appropriate referrals to nurse, physician, and/or non-physician provider.
• Orders and maintains clinical and office supplies and equipment as directed.
• Maintains patient files, records, and other information.
• Adheres to confidentiality requirements.
• Compiles statistical data for reports as directed.
• Receives and prepares patient for examination and treatment as directed.
• Obtains and records history and vital signs.
• Charts and documents in medical record.
• Collects laboratory specimens as needed.
• Assists physicians and non-physician providers in preparing for minor procedures and physical exams.
• Performs minor procedures to include but not limited to stitch and staple removal, application of dressings, splints, and casts, etc.
• Provides instruction to patients as directed by physician, non-physician provider, or documented in policies and procedures.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment per SMH/BHHN sterile processing guidelines.
• Gives injections, limited to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and TDAP per provider order, and to patients 16 or older, and according to department-specific guidelines.

Quality

• Assists with patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.
• Completes documentation that meets current standards and policies.
• Performs treatments and provides services within scope of practice.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly with all healthcare team members.
• Provides care appropriate to disease condition and age of the patient within scope of practice.
• Assists nursing staff with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills within training and scope of practice.
• Provides timely reports of all events such as near misses, adverse events, patient/family complaints, and any situation that affects the safe delivery of patient-centered care.

Service

• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Maintains good working relationships both within the department and with other departments.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicates with social service/discharge planner regarding both in-hospital and post-discharge needs.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function well under stressful situations.
• Performs proper telephone etiquette.
• If transferring a telephone call, announces the caller and briefly explains the situation before ending the transfer.
• Communication with patients on expectations, e.g., wait times.
• Able to assist with patient service assistance needs as necessary and provide service recovery, e.g., coffee cards, lunch, gas cards.
• Distributes hospital-specific literature.

KNOWLEDGE

• Proficient in basic patient care and treatment, planning, and evaluating according to job description and MA level.
• Competent to perform routine, non-complex aspects of patient care, treatments, and procedures.
• Safe pharmaceutical handling requirements and guidelines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of patient care, treatment, planning, and evaluating according to job description and MA level.
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-level, complex aspects of patient care, treatments, and procedures with proficiency, accuracy, and minimal supervision.
• Safe pharmaceutical handling requirements and guidelines.
• Application of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patient and staff safety.
• Pharmacology specific to the department for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and guidelines.
• Orders non-stock supplies through the Material Management computer system.
• Attends and actively participates in departmental staff meetings and committees as requested.
• Completes all mandatory education; participates in continuing education activities within the department and organization.

TECHNICAL SKILLS/CROSS-TRAINING

• Basic laboratory specimen handling and processing (urinalysis, blood sugars, etc.).
• Safe pharmaceutical handling requirements and guidelines.
• Cross-trained to perform laboratory specimen handling and processing and/or phlebotomy skills.
• Cross-trained to assist physicians and/or non-physician providers with procedures.
• Responsible for independently running a schedule or acting as the primary support for a physician or other healthcare provider.
• Perform semi-complex medical treatments or use of modalities (i.e., phototherapy, uniboots, etc.).
• Giving injections for approved medications after completion of SMH/BHHN injection class (see department guidelines for approved medications).
• Assists with orientation of new personnel.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT/QUALITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Adheres to patient safety goals and standards.
• Participate in one or more of the following Process Improvement/Quality or Risk-related activities within the department.
• Identifies a departmental risk or enhancement and offers solutions for improvement.
• Assists in departmental monitors for a minimum of one quarter for trending or analyzing.
• Reports findings back to manager/supervisor.
• Instructs staff through 1 on 1, huddles, staff meetings, etc. on safety, risk, or quality topics (e.g., disinfection process, hand hygiene, proper PPE, confidentiality, labeling medications, medication reconciliation, procedure time-outs, critical test results, patient-related communications, etc.).
• Involved with at least one operational excellence project or Value Stream Process Improvement project as directed by departmental leadership.
• Helps with communications with staff.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience / License and Certifications

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), required.
• Six (6) months experience in a medical field required OR an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the above tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• BLS certification required.
• Additional certifications may be required based on unit assignment.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Medical terminology course, preferred.
• Assessment-Based Recognition in Order Entry (ABR-OE), preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages desirable.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills.

SPECIAL DEMANDS

• Possible exposure to blood and/or body fluids/infectious disease/hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment.
• Exposure to odorous chemicals/specimens and Latex products.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND GIVES CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT TO QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, OR PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS.