Job Description

Mohs Medical/Surgical AssistantThe Mohs Medical/Surgical Assistant is to provide assistance to the licensed-medical doctor in multiple settings including the clinic and outpatient surgical settings. They are to provide safe, knowledgeable, compassionate individualized care to all patients. Responsible for the following, based on the needs of the organization:Serve as a patient advocate during patient exam, surgery and treatmentInterview surgery patients to obtain medical informationMeasure patients' vital signs, weight and heightShow patients to examination rooms, procedure rooms or operative rooms, and prepare them for the physicianReview a surgical informed consent with the patient prior to their procedureRecord patients' medical history, medications, allergies, vital signs and test results in an Electronic Health Record (EHR)Set up a sterile surgical trayInspect sterile items prior to openingOpen sterile surgical items in a sterile fashionLay supplies out on sterile field in an organized mannerPlace surgical gloves on hands using sterile techniqueAssist the physician during surgery while maintaining sterile field:Blot with gauze when neededUnder surgeon direction, use skin hooks to gently retract skin while surgeon undermines or uses cautery deviceUse forceps to hold suture line away from field or to help hold suture line tip in place to assist surgeon during knot placementUse scissors to clip suture at various lengths depending on placement of knot (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, etc.)Assist surgeon during cauterizationKnow the difference between thermal cautery and electrocautery, and which one is preferable in various patient situations so the correct device can be prepared in a clean/sterile fashionProperly numb a patient's skin using local anesthetics as directed by the physicianPrepare and administer medications as directed by a physician following safety protocol of right dose, right patient, right route, right drug and noting expiration dateCollect blood, tissue or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testingExplain surgical/treatment procedures, medications, dietsExplain wound care instructions and physicians' instructions to patientsExplain and comfort patients with regards to expected healing times for various types of wounds and locationsHelp physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments and materials or performing such tasks as giving injections and removing suturesAccept triage style phone calls from patients and know which situations require the patient to be seen vs being able to counsel the patient over the phoneKnow to ask the surgeon if there is ever any doubtUnder physician direction, authorize drug refills, enter prescription information into the EHR, and provide prescription information to pharmaciesKnow how to clean surgical instruments, wrap them in sterile packs, and place them in an autoclavePrepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms organized, neat, and cleanAssess the patient's condition throughout the exam, procedure or surgery according to the facility's policies and notify physician and/or RN of any indication of distressResponsible for cleaning room and medical equipment in between each patient and at the end of the dayCorrectly disposes of infection waste and biohazard materialsSchedule appointments for patients: including surgery appointments (Mohs surgery, excisions) and clinic appointments (wound checks, Mohs consultations, suture removals, etc.)Have basic medical and surgical knowledge as it relates to Dermatology and Mohs surgeryKnow what various blood thinners areKnow the basic difference between a pacemaker and defibrillatorKnow the different types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, other) and how they pertain to Mohs surgery vs excisionKnow basic external anatomy of the head and neckContact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests, admission, or collaborative surgical careChange dressings on wounds and can place a good pressure bandage after Mohs or excisionsKnow how to place steri-strips and use mastisolKnow how to carefully use Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) as a surgical prep (and to avoid the eyes/ears at all costs)Know when to use other preps, such as Ocusoft, alcohol, iodine, etc.Inventory and assess the need for instruments, supplies and equipment while keeping the room fully stocked (daily)Inventory and order medical supplies (monthly) and ensure all equipment is in proper working orderPerform accurate documentation of all procedures in a timely manner. Input information efficiently into the EHR (we currently use Modernizing Medicine - EMA)Maintain adaptable and functional computer skillsRespond to emergency situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol by having knowledge of equipment and supplies and is familiar with their locationKnow how to operate an oxygen tank, oxygen mask and nasal cannulaKnow how to recognize when a patient "vasovagals" and performs the first steps to help patient through this situationAssist physicians in patient, employee, or visitor medical emergencies and ensure proper documentation per facility's protocolAdhere to all policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilitiesUphold a culture of high quality medical care, supportive work environment, and excellent patient experiencePerform other duties that may be necessary or in the best interest of the organizationQualificationsOne (1)+ year experience in a medical setting, requiredOne (6)+ months experience in a dermatological surgery setting, requiredThorough knowledge of medical terminology - requiredPrior EMA experience - preferredKnowledge of sterile technique, anatomy, and medicationsDetail oriented, professional attitude, reliableManagement and organizational skills to support the leadership of this functionAbility to follow or provide verbal & written instructions with sufficient grammar and spelling skills to avoid mistakes or misinterpretationsInterpersonal skills to support patient experienceFunctional abilities to carry team mate needs and a supportive work cultureAble to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writingMathematical and/or analytical ability for basic to intermediate problem solvingBasic to intermediate computer operationProficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and OutlookBasic to intermediate understanding of EHR programsSpecialty knowledge of systems relating to job functionKnowledge of state and federal regulations for this position; general understanding of HIPAA guidelinesSupervisory Responsibilities:This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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