Administration/HCA

About the role

The Primary Care Health Assistant works under the direction and delegation of a Registered Nurse or General Practitioner to provide primary care nursing support, patient interventions and treatment within the Medical Centre. They will work collaboratively with the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, following practice policies and procedures. As part of the general practice team, the role holder will be responsible for providing patient-centred, culturally appropriate, and individual holistic care to patients. This role also includes Medical Reception duties.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in patient assessments and with routine examination and diagnostic tests (BP, pulse, temperature, height, weight, BMI)
• Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient interventions
• Contribute to care planning and assist with the implementation and evaluation of care plans
• Observe for changes in patients' health status and communicate observations in a timely manner to Registered Nurse and appropriate members of the health team
• Act as a chaperone as required and attend home visits as requested in conjunction with a registered health professional
• Ensure all written communication is comprehensive, logical, legible, clear and concise
• Use appropriate infection control procedures and understand and apply the principles of the cold chain
• Ensure clinical workspaces, equipment and storerooms are clean and tidy as per practice protocols and ensure equipment is cleaned and sterilised correctly
• Maintain adequate levels of stock for materials and equipment in all treatment and consulting rooms, ensuring no item is past its expiry date
• Receive and welcome all visitors promptly and courteously, answer all calls within 6 rings, and make accurate patient appointments according to guidelines
• Register new patients with the practice and enrol them with the PHO in accordance with guidelines
• Charge patients accurately in accordance with charging guidelines and process and receipt all payments
• Complete patient filing accurately within 24 hours and maintain patient files in appropriate order
• Maintain total confidentiality and privacy of patients in accordance with the Privacy Act and Health Information Privacy Code
• Comply with established health and safety policies regarding handling of instruments, infection control, storage of drugs and disposal of sharps

About you

• Work within scope of training, practice and competencies
• Accept responsibility for actions and decision making within the scope of training
• Seek guidance from Registered Nurse as necessary
• Demonstrate a professional attitude and helpful manner in interactions with patients and staff
• Demonstrate responsible use of and maintenance of consumables and equipment
• Be able to manage your own time
• Be familiar with all practice policies and procedures
• Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision
• Be culturally sensitive to patient needs with a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi
• Know the general principles of first aid and resuscitation and be able to undertake initial actions as appropriate