Allergy Specialist MA, LPN or RN, Dr. Jennifer Ker, Westgate - Cool Springs

Job Summary

The Allergy Specialist is a member of the patient care delivery team and may perform clinical and administrative duties within scope of state laws and regulations. The Allergy Specialist reports to the Department Manager. A dedicated Allergy Specialist is assigned to a specific practice. A float Allergy Specialist may float across practices and/or sites based on clinic needs.

HMA is committed to high standards with regards to patient care, ethical and business conduct, and compliance with all laws, regulations and requirements, and as such expects staff to be patient focused and able to work collaboratively and efficiently with all members of the care delivery team, including but not limited to physicians and fellow clinic staff.

Responsibilities (includeD, but not limited to)

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Clinical
  • Gathers clinical data and documents per protocol in the patient’s chart
  • Supports physicians and providers with a patient encounter, including but not limited to chart prep, assisting during a procedure(s), patient education
  • Calls in or E-Prescribes prescriptions as ordered by the physician and maintains sample medication stock
  • In accordance with established policies and procedures, prepares and administers medications and immunizations and performs tests and procedures as ordered by the physician and accurately documents in the patient’s chart
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of medication doses, side effects and potential reactions
  • Follows established protocols for specimen collection and handling and disposing of infections or hazardous waste materials
  • Operates and maintains various medical equipment needed in delivering patient care
  • Answers phones/responds to patient messages in a timely manner per protocol
  • Triages patients appropriately and notifies the physician and/or provider right away if a patient’s status and/or results warrant an immediate response
  • If applicable, ensures sterile instrument processing is completed in accordance with established protocol and manufacturer recommendations
• Administrative
  • Accurately schedules patient appointments by:
    • Obtaining required information from patient (e.g., guarantor, referring physician)
    • Verifying patient’s insurance and provider participation
    • Utilizing the Practice Management (PM) system in accordance with protocols and procedures
  • Conducts appointment reminder calls
  • Schedules labs, tests and procedures as ordered by the physician and educates patients on what to expect
  • Completes referrals and authorizations in a timely manner prior to patient’s scheduled appointment and as applicable, ensures prior authorizations are in place prior to procedures
  • Tracks all diagnostic studies to ensure results are received and patients are informed of results as directed by the physician and/or provider
  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area and adheres to OSHA and infection control guidelines
  • Takes inventory and orders supplies to prevent shortages/outages
  • Attends and actively participates in required meetings, huddles and trainings to remain current of policies, procedures and workflows and to further develop skill set
  • Complies with all HMA policies and procedures and accreditation agencies, OSHA, etc.
• Service Excellence
  • Displays sensitivity, courtesy and respect when dealing with patients, team members and the general public
  • Demonstrates a willingness to ensure patients’ questions are answered and their needs are addressed in a timely manner
  • Goes the extra mile to assist others and communicates such that the message is received as intended

SPECIALTY/DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Immunotherapy
  • Proficient on skin and intradermal placement and reading
  • Takes inventory of shot room stock and orders supplies as needed;
  • Understands when to order continued immunotherapy so series continues without disruption or delay and how to order so staff assigned to mixing is aware to mix a new series
  • Proficient in the Rosch system to administer the correct immunotherapy dose and when applicable, adjusts the dose per the dosage scale due to a previous patient reaction
  • Understands the risks and benefits associated with immunotherapy
  • Recognizes and responds to an allergic reaction within the department’s protocol (e.g., differentiating between local and systemic reactions and when to report to/engage support from a physician)
  • Educates patients with new start immunotherapy
  • Trains patients on self-administered biologics and rescue injectors
• Other
  • Performs full complement of pulmonary function tests (PFT)
  • May be assigned to mix antigens in compliance with policies and procedures

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to communicate clearly and perform each essential duty satisfactorily, as evidenced by knowledge of and/or skillset in the following:

• Vital signs

• Medical terminology
• Medication administration and side effects
• Clinic procedures and procedure equipment
• Infection control guidelines and as applicable, sterile technique and sterilization process
• Patient education
• Documentation and charting

In addition, an individual must be able to:

• Interpret and apply policies and procedures and adapt to changes
• React calmy and effectively in emergency situations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public
• Recognize problems and recommend solutions

Prior experience in a large multi-specialty physician practice and with electronic health records (EHR) is preferred.

Job Requirements

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
  • Current state license to practice as a LPN or RN
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Medical Assistant (MA)
  • Possess a degree, diploma or certificate of completion from an accredited Medical Assistant training program or training in the armed services OR

A minimum of 1-year prior experience functioning as a Medical Assistant in a clinic or hospital setting

• • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• If working as a float will need Valid TN Driver’s License and Proof of Valid Automotive Insurance

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to stand for 8 to 10 hours a day
• Requires regular walking, bending, pushing, pulling and lifting
• Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs
• Must be able to assist patients with transfers from chair to wheelchair, to exam tables, and back to wheelchair/chair
• Must be able to assist patient with turning/positioning on exam table
• Must be able to push patient in wheelchair
• Must be able to manipulate objects—reaching, grasping, handling
• Must exhibit good communication skills—understand, respond and translate into action
• Ability to delineate between numeric numbers
• Clinical setting; exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, medical preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment.