I am doing my externship program as a Medical Assistant in an ABC Medical Specialist located in Jackson County, P.C. My normal working days at this center are Tuesdays and Thursdays as from 8 to 5 P.M. My duties are, to take patients vital signs such as Blood Pressure (B/P), temperature, pulse rate, respiration, SPO2, and peak flow meter (patients do undergo this test twice for established patients and thrice for new patients and then documenting the highest proceeds). We measure the height and weight of new patients. We also take the rest of the vital signs together with the current medications they are taking and also any allergies they may be reacting to. For the established patients, we only weigh them and then take vital signs. The Medical Assistants and Registered Nurse whom I work with, allows me to interview the patients. I would ask questions such as, are you still using the same pharmacy? And if there are any changes, I then document the changes as per required. If there arise changes in the medication in the case of established patients, I would as well document these changes.
During the period at the center, I would ask the patients if there was any improvement and if their conditions were worsening since their first visit to the center. Most of the patients in the medical center experience respiratory problem such as asthma patients, COPD, emphysema, Cystic fibrosis among others. I would inquire from them some more medical information and document them as per the procedures requirements. The queries would be of such nature; if they had had any surgeries since the last time they came for a check-up, if they had been administered a flu vaccine or Pneumovax, chest pain presence, SOB, dyspnea at rest or exertion, wheezing and also tightness in the chest. I was able to administer Pneumococcal vaccine IM to an elderly patient. The lady would later point out that she didn’t feel a thing during the procedure. I was also able to administer PPD shot intradermally to my site supervisor, Xolair SQ bilaterally to 2 patients who also gave their satisfaction as I did it professionally. More duties include; filing of documents, faxing them to the pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians' offices and filling up requisitions for the laboratory. I also had the chance to use the computer to record any complaint or changes in a patient's condition that might have presented during the medication period.
Last week, one of the staff showed me how go about with the scheduling, she instructed me to call and remind the patients scheduled for the following day. For patients scheduled for Xolair injections, I would advise them to call the office one hour prior to their arrival. This would give us enough time to mix it with normal saline then place them in Agitator. This helps in getting rid of the bubbles. In the case for new patients, I would advise them to bring all of their current medications and to call the office in case they needed further clarification. I do work with 1 doctor, 2 RN's, 3 MA's on Tuesday morning and 2 RN's, 3 MA's, 1 Nurse Practitioner, 1 Physician Assistant and 1 Dr in the afternoon.
On Tuesday morning I worked with 2 RN's, 1 PA, 1 LPN/Receptionist/Coder, and 1 Dr. at their office in Muncie and went back in the afternoon to Anderson Office to work with some other people. The staffs are all friendly and really helpful as they are all willing to help me in perfecting my skills. They have enlightened me to a greater extent in the manner of which to deal with patients/clients. I even make coffee on Thursday’s for each of the staff and it brings out the kind of relation I am having with this great lot. I also ensure the rooms are in order for the next forthcoming patient to be served. Hence generally experience so far is absolutely wonderful and with the help of intelligent staff present, I know that am confident in what I do.
