PO BOX 649 FORT DEFIANCE, AZ 86504 PHONE: 928.729.8000 FAX: 928.729.8019 WEBSITE: WWW.FDIHB.

ORG
A FACILITY OF FORT DEFIANCE INDIAN HOSPITAL BOARD, INC.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT (EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT)

Position Description

Division: Nursing Reports to (title): Nurse Executive

Department: Emergency Department Job Location: Tséhootsooí Medical Center
Job Code: Supervises: No
Pay Grade: $15.74-$19.68/hourly Classification: Non-Exempt
Hours/week: 40 hours/week Effective Date: March 28, 2010
Type of Position: Regular Full time Revised Date: January 5, 2017

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
In performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees of the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. (FDIHB) are
expected to conform to the following:
 Uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
 Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
 Interact in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees and vendors.
 Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
 Maintain a current insurable driver’s license.

POSITION PURPOSE
The purpose of the position is to assist the Medical Providers in a variety of medical patient care tasks, in addition to performing
receptionist duties, record keeping and miscellaneous clerical support duties associated with managed patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Duties:
 Assists with direct patient care procedures and related tasks; checks in patients, assists in obtaining patient histories,
take vital signs, prepares charts/EHR/RPMS, and assists with medical exams. Contributes to unit functioning by
answering phones, delivering messages, directing and escorting patients and families to other units, services.
 Provides care to assigned patients under the direction of a Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) and department lead
nurse/case manager in accordance with established policy. Provides basic care to patients with a variety of conditions,
illnesses and/or injuries (i.e. apply and remove dressings, slings, braces, etc., apply heat and cold packs, assist patient in
ambulation, transferring, positions, etc.) and assisting in all aspects of room turnover.
 Independently monitors patients, reporting to and working under the direction of the LIP and primary lead nurse/case
manager. Shares in the responsibility for reporting changes in patients’ condition by observing the patient’s condition
and reactions and by keeping the provider informed if conditions change. Responsible for obtaining and recording
patient information as assigned per unit policy (i.e. vital signs, height, weight, temperature, respiratory rate, I&O’s, etc.)
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Position Description

 Assists the LIP in examination of patients by explaining procedures, positioning, draping and assembling
instrumentation and supplies. Assists in transfer of patients using correct body mechanics and lifting methods.
 Maintains a courteous and professional manner in all contact with patients, family and other customers. Assists in
answering the phone and supplying routine information per established department guidelines.
 Shares responsibility for the maintenance of clinical records. Adheres to confidentiality polices and the Privacy Act.
Responsible for accurate data input into unit computer systems (e.g. ADT, EHR, immunization package, etc.) Assists in
the arrangements of patient clinic appointments, discharges, and transfers between departments per hospital policy.
Places patients in the appropriate beds/rooms to expedite and monitor patient flow to ensure timely service. Assists in
preparation of patient admission or transport (Xeroxing health summary, transport orders, etc.) of patients. Uses
Electronic Health Record system and RPMS system to enter and retrieve data needed for patient care, i.e., lab tests,
immunizations, health status, scheduling appointments. Assists in clerical tasks such as transcribing orders, preparing
transfer and transport packets, making appointments, sending referrals, insuring records have adequate forms. Obtains
medical records, screens charts for possible implementation of other necessary forms that may be required for patient
care.
 Educates and advises patients on specified medical issues within established parameters and documents as per hospital
policy. Performs and assists with patient education and discharge instructions. This includes keeping written patient
education pamphlets stocked. Documents patient education on the outpatient record (ED) and Electronic Health
Record. Enhances patient understanding through interpretation when indicated.
 Practices Infection Control/Safety and environmental surveillance principles to protect self, patients, family members,
visitors of all ages and other employees.
 Prepares patients for the provider exam visit by organizing proper supplies, equipment, and state of dress, per reason of
appointment. Assists the providers with sterile central line such as suturing, insertion of chest tubes, spinal tap, pelvic
exams and physical exams and with clean intubation, codes such as cast application. Starts IVs and manages IVs
(including flushing, removal and observing for irritation at site), after training and documented competency. Performs
less complex dressing changes and treatments, without assistance, per established policy. Assists with cleaning,
irrigating, and dressing of complex wounds, and performs skin care measures. Corrects breaks in aseptic technique by
any person, physician, medical student or nursing personnel.
 Assists with collection and proper care of specimens (labeling, handling and delivery), instructs patients in proper
collections of urine samples. Draws blood specimens and prepares other specimens for analysis, e.g. labeling of
specimen tubes, as ordered by the provider. Performs indwelling catheterization after training and documented
competency. Obtains sterile in and out catheterized urine specimen, obtains blood cultures specimens such as sputum,
clean catch urine specimens and topical cultures. Routes requisition forms to consultative services, dietary, laboratory
and x-ray as needed
 Performs waived testing (e.g. glucometer testing, hgbA1c, u/a dips, HCG, hemocult, rapid streps, etc.) and records the
results in compliance with regulations/standards. Complies with the laboratory requirements (CLIA, CMS, etc.) for
quality control waived testing for accuracy and record keeping.
 Administer non-controlled oral medications and injections such as immunizations, antibiotics or Depo Provera. Sets up
for oxygen administration and assists the LIP with oxygen administration device to the patient.
 Performs general maintenance duties including, but not limited to, cleaning, arranging and restocking supply cabinets,
cleaning and sorting supplies, instruments, and equipment, calling attention to deficiencies in supplies and equipment.
Assist in inventory of unit equipment. Responsible for ordering supplies from pharmacy in an ongoing effort to keep the
clinic stocked with necessary supplies. Stocks exam/procedure room with proper instruments, supplies and equipment.
Assumes initiative in reporting equipment in need of repair. Assist in coordination of supply levels with General
Services, adding or deleting supplies as necessary.
 Assist in orientation of new personnel.
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Position Description

Administrative Duties:
 Maintains and assists with patient referral books
 Arranges and assists with making appointments for patients within the IHS and at contract facilities.
 Obtains result of labs, tests and scans done at outside facilities and obtain discharge summaries and other medical
records from other hospitals on disease registry patients.
 Prepares transfer and transport packets
 Participates in the relevant committees and meetings regarding Emergency Medicine.
 Participates in the Quality Management activities and data management responsibilities
 Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:  Six (6) months of general medical work experience and
 Six (6) months of specialized experience OR the successful completion of two (2) years of
study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position.
Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health care
personnel; therefore, Medical Assistant experience is experience that requires the application of
knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Examples are: experience in
performing all intake procedures, such as obtaining vital signs, pulse oximetry, etc.; assisting with
medical examinations; administering oral medications and performing subcutaneous and
intramuscular injections; venipunctures for blood draws, obtaining bacteriology specimens;
assisting with surgical procedures.

Education: Applicant must have the ability to perform a variety of specialized clinical support skills.
Applicants MUST have completed one of the following training programs to be considered
minimally qualified for this position:
 Completion of an approved medical assistant training program accredited by the Commission
of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Accrediting Bureau of
Health Education Schools (ABHS), or by any other accrediting agency recognized by the
United States Department of Education OR
 Completion of medical service training program of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Please provide a copy of an official record that verifies the training received and completed.

Mandatory Knowledge,
 Comprehensive knowledge of clinical practices and standards required to assist the
Skills, Abilities and
ambulatory health care team provide comprehensive managed care to patients in the Adult
Other Qualifications:
Medicine clinic (to complete the individual visit plan as directed by the provider). Knowledge
of the internal organization and workload of Emergency Medicine.
 Practical knowledge and skill sufficient to understand medical and chronic care principles,
practices and procedures; Patient disease entities; patient care plans; medical equipment
medical materials and supplies.
 Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of disease processes (to provide patient
education and nursing related care as related to surgery patients of all ages which includes
psychosocial, and cultural aspects and age appropriateness)
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Position Description

 Practical knowledge and skills sufficient to recognize deviations from normal, sufficient to
warrant immediate notification of the medical provider for treatment. Knowledge of vital
sign ranges, skill to obtain accurate vital signs and measurements (to take and record
temperatures, blood pressures, heights, weights, pulses and respirations and report
abnormal results).
 Skill and ability to perform clinic treatments and procedures as instructed by the provider.
 Skill and ability to perform basic laboratory tests (to obtain capillary glucose levels i.e.
Accucheck, wound cultures).
 Actively collaborates with the medical provider in choice of wound care dressings.
Knowledge of various wound care dressing options and their functions.
 Basic knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, requisitions and documentation
practices (to prepare the patient, supplies, forms and record procedures as performed as
well as the proper collection, labeling and handling of specimens).
 Knowledge of the patients' needs and patient care standards appropriate to the age ranges
served: newborn, infant, toddler, preschool child, adolescent, young adult, middle adult, late
adulthood, and geriatrics.
 Knowledge of Infection Control (Standard Precautions) and Safety Principles (to prevent
infection/harm of self, patients, employees and respond appropriately to fire, disaster,
evacuation, medical and security codes).
 Knowledge of and/or ability to understand Performance Improvement, HPDP, accreditation
standards (to assist to improve patient care, services and unit process for optimal outcomes).
 Knowledge and ability to react in emergency situations and relay vital information to the
medical provider and nurse.
 Ability to initiate CPR before medical staff arrives and assists as part of the unit's team.
 Ability to cope with noise, volume of patients, and constant changes in a stress laden
environment.
 Ability to use basic word processing programs
Ability to document in and navigate electronic medical records.
 Ability to communicate orally and in writing with proper grammar and spelling.
 Knowledge of how to order equipment, forms, and supplies.
 The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality
of all administrative, medical and personnel records and all other pertinent information that
comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal
penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violations of such confidentiality may be cause
for adverse action.
 A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by
positive employment references from previous and current employers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 Bilingual skills in English and the Navajo language
 One (1) year of specialized work experience OR the completion of a full four (4) year course of study leading to a
Bachelor’s degree, with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.
 Certified Medical Assistants working in the Primary Care Clinic in the Fast Track/Urgent Care Clinic process, Urgent Care
 MEDICAL ASSISTANT (EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT) Page 5
Position Description

Clinic and/or Emergency Room experience is preferred.

 Possess a current and active Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
certification/licensure preferably from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical
Technologists (AMT), or from a recognized certifying agency.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the
noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. Limited overnight travel may be
required from time to time.

Physical demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the
employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk and hear. There may be
prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well as driving or riding in transport vehicles.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to
communicate with patients, vendors and staff.

Mental demands: There are a number of deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and
interact with a wider variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues.

NAVAJO/INDIAN PREFERENCE
FDIHB, Inc. is located within the Navajo Nation and, in accordance with Navajo Nation law, has implemented a Navajo/Indian
Preference in Employment Policy. Pursuant to this Policy, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this position and
who are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation will be given primary preference in hiring and employment for this position and
members of other federally-recognized Indian tribes will be given secondary preference. Other candidates will be considered
only after all candidates entitled to primary or secondary preference have been fully considered.

OTHER
All employees must uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent. This position has access to
sensitive information and a breach of these principles will be grounds for immediate termination.

Disclaimer: The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this
position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees
assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.

REVIEWED BY Jamie Whitehorse TITLE Human Resources Manager

APPROVED BY TITLE

DATE POSTED DATE HIRED

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Position Description

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have reviewed the content of the MEDICAL ASSISTANT (EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT) position description and have been
provided a copy of the description. I certify that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position as outlined in this
description, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Describe any accommodations required to perform these functions:

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