Clinic
Job Description

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant
Department: Nursing – Various specialty departments
JOB SUMMARY
Under direct supervision of a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP) and following established
procedures and precedents, assists with clerical and clinical activities inherent to physicians or advance
care practitioners practicing in a clinic setting. The physician or ACP will review and approve actions to
be taken at key junctures during patient care. In doing so, room’s patients, obtains patient’s vitals,
medications, and medical and surgical history and documents information in electronic medical record
(EMR). Performs related clerical duties such as completing forms and notes, completing orders, billing
services, compiling patient chart information and so forth. The intention is to minimize the
physician/ACP’s clerical functions while maximizing his/her clinical rose, thus improving patient flow
and satisfaction, under the physician or ACP’s direct oversight.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
A. Reports to: Clinic Nurse Manager/Clinic Nurse Supervisor
B. Supervises: None
C. Key Working Relationships: Providers, Vendors, MercyOne and Clinic

Administration, MercyOne Director, Clinic Nurse Manager/Clinic Nurse Supervisor, clinic staff,
and other departments/representatives within Clinic, MercyOne-North Iowa, and
network hospitals/clinics.

D. Primary Customer Groups: Patients and families served within MercyOne-North Iowa
E. Age/Population of Patients Served:

Neonatal Adolescent Geriatric

Pediatric Adult x All Ages

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A. Upon verification of patient’s correct identity, escorts patient to examination room. As specified per

physician, obtains patient’s vital signs, current medications, past medical and surgical history, and
other patient data and documents information in the EMR. Anticipates and prepares exam room
with equipment and supplies required for the visit. Providers must review and approve the data
collected by the PCA. Makes patient comfortable while waiting for physician.

B. Prepares patient for specific examination required and assists provider during patient examinations.
C. Utilizes written Clinic policies/procedures and universal precautions when performing

lab/diagnostic tests or procedures. Performs, maintains and documents qualify controls as
applicable/requested, such as logs, proficiency tests, maintenance records, etc.

D. Assists with scheduling patients for office appointments, and lab/diagnostic tests/referrals. Reviews
written test preparation handout with patient and documents in medical record. Refers patient to
provider/registered nurse if patient education is required.

E. Documents notification/follow-up of phone messages under direct supervision of a provider.

Page 1 of 6

F. Assists in cost containment by maintain an adequate but minimal quantity of supplies in
workstations and exam procedure rooms. In doing so, ensures examination rooms are stocked with
necessary linens and supplies in order to ensure efficient examination of patients.

G. Maintains patient and clinic confidentiality and abides by HIPAA guidelines.
H. May gather laboratory results, radiology reports, medical records, and other data for review by the

physician. All data will be reviewed by the physician or ACP.
I. Communicate waits and delays as directed by the nurse, ACP, or physician.
J. Competent in EMR navigation and functionality as appropriate for their department and role at the

clinic.
K. Supports and abides by all clinic, departmental, and safety policies and procedures. Proactively

identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment.
L. Acts in a professional manner.
M. Takes an active role in enhancing ability to care out job functions through personal and

professional/job-related growth and development, and participates in department education
programs.

N. Performs other responsibilities as requested by supervisor, manager, or department head.
O. May participate in the training, orientation, and education of new employees.
P. Reports risk management concerns and questions to appropriate manager.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
A. Participates in the training, orientation, and education of new employees.
B. Serves as a resource person for patients and other clinic staff.
C. Functions as a team member by providing back up when needed.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
A. Education [formal]:

a) Successful completion of a formal Nurse Aid, Emergency Medical Technician, or Radiology
technologist course/training verified through transcript or ordinal program certificate of
completion OR

b) Graduate of a medical assistant program OR
c) currently enrolled in an A.D.N., B.S.N., program with successful completion of first semester

A.D.N. program OR first year completion of nursing courses in BSN OR graduate of an A.D.N.,
Diploma, BSN, or LPN program.

d) Ability to comprehend verbal and written requests from physicians and other staff. The ability
to read and write in order to prepare medical records charts and record vital signs. To perform
simple arithmetic calculation when completing fee slips and activity logs at a level normally
acquired through completion of high school or equivalent AND

e) Knowledge of basic clinical skills, handwashing, indirect care skills, and taking vital signs at a
level normally acquired through completion of a state approved nursing assistant program.

B. Experience:

a) A minimum of six months work experience in a health care facility performing duties relating to
patient care is preferred.

b) Additional experience involving computer knowledge.

Page 2 of 6

C. Special Skills and Competencies:
a) Communication skills with the ability to maintain and display professionalism with customers

and coworkers.
b) Organizational skills and attention to detail.
c) Flexibility and adaptability.
d) Functions as a patient advocate.
e) Skills in preparing records and documenting in the EMR including good typing skills.

Must provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS Healthcare Provider, American Heart
Association; or American Red Cross, Professional Rescuer-LIVE class only) via current

x
card prior to employment or within 60 days of hire and maintains current status.

Completes Mandatory Reporting: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse requirement
x

within 6 months of hire and renews this requirement every 3 years.

Completes Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association within
6 months of hire and maintains current status.

Completes Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) – American Heart Association within
6 months of hire and maintains current status.

Completes Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – American Heart Association
within 6 months of hire and maintains current status.

Completes MANDT Training within 6 months of hire and maintains current status.

Completes Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) within 6 months of hire and maintains
current status.

Motor Vehicle:
Required to operate _____ MercyOne Vehicle _____ Personal Vehicle ___X__ N/A
Frequency of operation: ______daily ______ weekly _____ monthly ______quarterly
List any special licenses or requirements for Clinic/MercyOne vehicle operation:
________________________________________
Note: If required to operate vehicle, will need to maintain valid driver's license and provide proof of adequate
insurance coverage.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
A. (Listmachines, tools and equipment that serve a major function of the job, use group titles of

equipment, identify unique or specialized equipment.)

• EKG • Telephone • Primex • Vital sign

• Nebulizer • Pulse Ox Medication equipment

• Emergency • Computer monitor

Equipment • Multi-function • Computer

• Department specific device

testing & procedure
equipment

Page 3 of 6