Oncology Medical Assistant

Min Rate = $19.89 / Max Rate = $28.84 *Placement is in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Units Agreement.

The Oncology Medical Assistant will perform various duties under the supervision and/or direction of a Nurse Director and/or Assistant Nurse Manager or Registered Nurse depending on area of assignment.  The three principal duties of this position are:

1. Clerical/Patient Registration:  Performs the receptionist activities using the VA computer system and carries out clerical or patient registration duties; functions as a communication center for areas assigned.

1. Technician: Operates an Electrocardiograph machine to record electromotive variations and impulses of the heart for use in the diagnosis of heart disorder.
2. Phlebotmist: Collects blood and other patient samples in the in-patient and outpatient population.  Provides the essential direct link between the patient and testing service both in providing interpersonal contact and technical competence in obtaining appropriate patient samples.  Performs other technical skills as trained.

1. Respects patient rights.
2. Perform electrocardiograms per policy and procedure.
3. Collects blood samples from neonates via venipuncture.
4. Informs the patient or consenting adult of the anticipated procedure.
5. Identifies indications for specific size of venipuncture needle/collection device.
6. Identifies blood collection tubes for blood collection.
7. Identifies contraindications for specific extremity, or area of venipuncture.
8. Performs venipuncture using accepted technique.
9. Secures area of venipuncture with tape and dry dressing.
10. Performs skin puncture for testing of bleeding times.
11. Properly identifies all patients before obtaining any specimen.
12. Assesses work priority to assure collection of STAT and timed specimens within the time standards set by nursing policy.
13. Labels and processes all specimens according to labeling standards set by Lab policy.
14. Demonstrates knowledge/ability to effectively use the nursing, laboratory, and cardiology order entry system.
15. Demonstrates knowledge of policy/procedure for message center.
16. Demonstrates knowledge of policy/procedure for transfer/discharge function.
17. Provides for a safe work environment.
18. Provides for precise and accurate transcription of orders.
19. Attends at least 70% of staff meetings and reviews minutes for 100% of staff meeting per year.
20. Maintains unit stations in a stocked and efficient manner.
21. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use fax machine per policies (fax and confidentiality).
22. Maintains patient records in appropriate order and with necessary and accurate posting.
23. Maintains assignment boards, bulletin boards and other communication sources including the recording and delivering of messages.
24. Provides or assists patients with all activities of daily living as assigned.
25. As directed, takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, I&O, measurements, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and completes simple sterile dressings.
26. Supports patient as needed to maintain patient clothing and other personal property (including prosthetic devices, hearing aides, dentures, contact lenses, etc.).
27. Provides care to the patient requiring specimen collection.
28. Reports and, when appropriate, records any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient. Also contributes to nursing care plan.
29. Assists in maintaing a safe and clean environment. Reports equipment that is out of order.  Reports other problems to management, cleans equipments as assigned and prepares same for disinfection, receives linen and supplies stock on the unit.
30. Provides care to the patient with special elimination needs.
31. Provides care to the patient that requires special equipment.
32. Provides for other service departments to assist patients as needed (e.g. EKG, SPD, HIM, Telecommunications, Service Center, Pharmacy).
33. Performs in a calm and professional manner in crisis and emergency situations, to include providing nursing care for the patient in cardiopulmonary arrest and the Heimlich maneuver.
34. Assists with positioning patient, lifting and turning patient with proper body mechanics, applying/utilizing special equipment as necessary, and ambulating patient as directed.
35. Strives to maintain patient's maximum level of independence and encourages family participation.
36. Assists other team members in accomplishment of patient care and/or unit tasks.
37. Provides documentation as written communication, including accurate transcription of information as requested.
38. Reports to appropriate staff when taking breaks or leaving patient care area, effectively communicating patient status.
39. Provides proper notification for absence or tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences.
40. Observes hospital dress code and wears identification/name badge. Utilizes appropriate personal protective devices (PPD).
41. Judiciously uses supplies to support cost containment initiatives.
42. Supports hospital waste management and recycling efforts.
43. Reports changes in patient condition to RN promptly.
44. Distributes all collected specimens to the designated area for specimen processing or testing.
45. Collects patient's specimens for diagnostic data.
46. Reads posted communications in a timely manner.
47. Prepares, distributes and files patient paperwork as needed
48. Other duties as assigned.

1. High school graduate or G.E.D.
2. Ability to comprehend medical terminology.
3. CPR certification or ability to acquire.
4. Computer knowledge or willingness to learn computer skills.
5. Previous hospital experience in clerical and/or Nurse Aide and/or EKG technician and/or phlebotomy experience preferred.
6. Ability to perform detailed assignments and work under pressure and possesses a high level of interpersonal communication skills to relate to patients, hospital staff and visitors.

As applicable, the individual has training/competency in attending to the special needs and/or behaviors appropriate to the age of the patients for which care is being provided.