Clinical Assistant (Registered Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse/Certified Medical Assistant)

JOB OVERVIEW: Provides compassionate, high-quality nursing care to patients in a nephrology clinic under the direction of the physician and other qualified healthcare providers. Supports the delivery of comprehensive patient care by assessing patient needs, coordinating care, and promoting positive health outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and patient confidentiality.

REPORTS TO: Nursing Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY: A dedicated, compassionate, and professional in an essential role that provides high-quality, patient-centered care who creates a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. Under the direction of the Nephrologists and Nursing Supervisor, and with an appropriate level of independence, the Clinical Assistant will support the physicians in delivering exceptional care to patients seen at Iowa Kidney Physicians, P.C. The Clinical Assistant will work closely with Nephrologists, patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate effective communication, coordinate patient care, and support positive patient outcomes. The successful candidate will bring strong clinical knowledge, sound nursing judgment, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Responsibilities include supporting clinical operations, maintaining accurate medical documentation, assisting with patient management, and adhering to applicable healthcare standards and regulations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skill are required for interaction with patients, families, physicians, nursing staff, and front- office personnel while demonstrating professionalism, discretion, empathy, and sound judgment when addressing sensitive patient concerns and confidential health information. This is an exciting opportunity to become an integral part of a collaborative healthcare team that contributes to exceptional patient experiences in a dynamic and rewarding nephrology practice.

Essential Functions and responsibilities includes, but are not limited to the following:

· Room patients in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining a safe, comfortable, private, and welcoming environment.

· Collect and document relevant patient health information, including medical history, symptoms, vital signs, and other clinical data, to support assessment and treatment planning.

· Participate in the development of individualized plans of care in collaboration with physicians and other members of the healthcare team and safely implement the plan of care in accordance with established protocols.

· Communicate with each patient in an attentive, respectful, compassionate, and individualized manner during every encounter.

· Verify the patient's understanding of the purpose of the visit, recommended care, treatment plan, and next steps.

· Provide patient education and instruction in accordance with the established educational plan and the patient's individual needs.

· Accurately and timely document all patient care, assessments, procedures, treatments, education, and communications in the electronic health record (EHR).

· Provide patient care in a safe, comfortable, private, and respectful environment while maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality.

· Provide preventive health education and information appropriate to the patient's age, health status, diagnosis, and individual healthcare needs.

· Triage telephone calls and communications from patients and other healthcare entities in accordance with established protocols and appropriately communicate concerns to the provider or healthcare team.

· Follow up on laboratory and diagnostic results as directed by providers and communicate pertinent findings or concerns in a timely manner.

· Assist with medication and care management, including implementing changes to medications or the plan of care as directed and authorized by the provider.

· Schedule outpatient diagnostic tests, specialty consultations, and other services as directed, and ensure patients receive appropriate pre-procedure instructions and follow-up information.

· Obtain and coordinate prior authorizations as needed to facilitate timely access to medications, treatments, procedures, and services.

· Perform urine testing and other point-of-care testing as ordered and document results accurately in the patient's medical record.

· Monitor the nursing message inbox and ensure patient and provider communications are reviewed and addressed in a timely manner.

· Monitor assigned personal message inboxes and responded to or appropriately route communications in a timely and professional manner.

· Process medication refill requests as ordered and authorized by providers, following established protocols and procedures.

· Maintain examination rooms and clinical areas in a clean, organized, safe, and appropriately stocked condition.

· Administer annual immunizations and other vaccinations as ordered and in accordance with established protocols and applicable standards of practice.

· Follow daily nursing assignments, priorities, and responsibilities as directed by the Nursing Supervisor and/or provider.

Additional Responsibilities

- Monitor patient response to treatments and medications, recognize changes in patient condition, and promptly communicate significant findings or concerns to the appropriate provider.

- Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.

- Collaborate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, front-office personnel, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and promote continuity of services.

- Support daily clinical operations and contribute to an efficient, professional, and positive patient experience.

- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including the collection and review of clinical data, patient outcomes, and compliance measures.

- Assist with the orientation, training, and support of new clinical staff as requested.

- Maintain current knowledge of nursing practices, nephrology-related care, anatomy and physiology, healthcare regulations, and applicable standards to support safe, effective, and compliant patient care.

- Maintain patient confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism, discretion, compassion, sound judgment, and respect in all patient and workplace interactions.

- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assign

· Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional practice, continued growth and self-evaluation.

· Float between other clinics if needed

· Document work processes as required.

· Maintain professional appearance and personal conduct.

· Adhere to all policies and procedures including office and state protocols.

· Effectively cope with typical job stress.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

· Education/Certification/Licensure: Current State of Iowa licensure.

· CPR certification for Health Care Providers.

· Experience: 6 – 12 months of professional nursing experience in a clinical setting preferred.

· Ability to administer a variety of treatments and medications as directed.

· Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to use various types of equipment for examination and treatment procedures.

· Ability to take vital signs.

· Ability to maintain quality control standards.

· Ability to identify problems and recommend solutions.

:

· Knowledge of the principles and skills needed to provide patient care and treatment.

· Knowledge of examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures.

· Knowledge of medications and their effects on patients.

· Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.

· Ability to react calmly and effectively in busy or emergency situations.

· Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

· Ability to communicate effectively in the English language in person, by phone and in writing.

· Ability to use Language Line or other interpretive resources for non-English speaking patients.

· Requires adherence to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality and personal appearance.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, management and peers.

· Maintain current CPR for Health Care Providers.

· Maintain current State of Iowa RN Licensure

Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone. Able to use stethoscope and respond to verbal questions. Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone. Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of patient and reading information from printed sources and computer screens. Other: Requires frequent lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted, including assisting patients when required. Adequate physical ability including enough manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care service, including injections. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift. Requires potential exposure to communicable diseases. Minimal exposure to bodily fluids The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance for this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Pay: $24.00 - $39.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• RN License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $40