About the position
The Clinical Assistant is responsible for direct care provided to patients and for contributing to efficient operations in the patient care environment. Direct patient care activities include, but are not limited to, obtaining vital signs, drawing and collecting blood samples and assisting nursing/medical staff in performing invasive procedures, such as bone marrow aspirates. Indirect patient care activities include those that support clinic operations such as ordering and stocking clinical supplies and patient education materials, transporting patients and specimens as needed, and monitoring the environment of care. This position's work location is onsite, full-time on campus in Chestnut Hill- Newton, MA. This a Phlebotomist position in Lab Services. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Responsibilities
- Ensures proper patient identification and maintains patient safety, privacy, confidentiality and follows guidelines under HIPAA.
- Obtains and records vital signs, pain screens, weights and heights accurately into Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
- Reports changes and/or abnormalities in vital signs; findings that are outside of defined parameters; and changes in patient's conditions to the nursing/medical staff in a timely manner.
- Obtains specimens (urine, stool, sputum, etc.) and ensures accurate labeling in presence of patient.
- Instructs patients/family members in collecting specimens.
- Performs phlebotomy and EKG as applicable and is competent in the two patient identifier practice.
- May precept with specific training.
- Assists with disease center specific procedural needs as applicable.
- Transports patients, medical records, specimens, blood components, equipment and supplies in accordance with Institute policy.
- Ensures that all patients on schedule are accounted for and communicate with providers/patients and colleagues as to approximate wait times.
- May be required to assist with research specific patient data entry as required.
- Assures that all clinical areas have an adequate stock of medical supplies, equipment, and forms.
- Assist with medical record preparation.
- Properly cleans and maintains equipment and patient care environment.
- Maintains a working knowledge of current computer systems used in clinical areas.
- Understands and utilizes the telephone/pager systems, including text paging staff, call system and emergency response system.
- Provides proactive instruction and time expectations to patient and family.
- Communicates patient and family status difficulties and concerns to appropriate staff.
- Attends mandatory training and education sessions, completes mandatory annual competency assessments and follows Institute policies.
- Accepts additional responsibilities based on the changing needs of patients, families, staff and unit.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework preferred.
- Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Program inclusive of an externship; or 1 year of experience in a Medical Assistant, Clinical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant or related clinical role (i.e. Emergency Medical Technician, Clinical role with military environment or Emergency department technician experience).
- In some cases, Nurse Students in an accredited Bachelor's program with at least 2 completed clinical rotations may be considered.
- BLS Certification required within 60 days of hire.
- 2 years of equivalent experience in a medical setting.
Nice-to-haves
- Phlebotomy certification may be preferred based on location (Yawkey 2, Satellites).
