Professional and Career Responsibilities Unit 1 Professional and Career Responsibilities

A Career As an Administrative Medical Assistant Chapter 1 A Career As an Administrative Medical Assistant

Objectives Review the learning and performance objectives for this chapter By the end of this chapter, demonstrate the procedures in the textbook and the job skills in the workbook

The Heart of the Health Care Professional Motto: “Think with empathy, act through service.”

Administrative Medical Assisting Stimulate your mind Motivate your curiosity Energize your work ethic Enliven your spirit

Customer-Service Oriented Practice Serving the needs of patients is the reason for going into this profession Satisfied patients = Provider’s success

Employment Opportunities Medical offices Hospitals Research institutes Insurance companies Laboratories Pharmaceutical companies

Employment Opportunities Administrative Medical Assistant Front office duties Appointments Receptionist

Employment Opportunities Clinical Medical Assistant Back office duties Direct patient care Performing procedures

Career Advantages Work is available anywhere in the world where medicine is practiced Training may be combined with education, resulting in certification and a college degree

Career Advantages Part-time, flextime, and full-time employment is available, depending on the needs of a particular medical office

Job Responsibilities See job description for a complete listing of job responsibilities (Figure 1-3)

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Aggressive versus assertive behavior Aggressive = pushy and overbearing Assertive = professional confidence Grieving or distressed patients Honesty Concern Support

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Death and Dying – Stages Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Hospice Hospice Foundation of America Medical care and support for patients and families dealing with a terminal illness Quality of life Dignity of the dying patient

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Stress Physical, psychological, and emotional reactions to circumstances Work circumstances Personal circumstances

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Coping with stress Be aware of what causes it Evaluate the situation Confront the problem Cultivate healthy relationships Take regular breaks

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Manage stress in the workplace Practice skills Organize and prioritize Be realistic Practice relaxation techniques

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Manage stress in the workplace Exercise your sense of humor Do not overreact Creative problem solving

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Manage stress in the workplace Rely on a support system Think positive Monitor your health Seek professional help if necessary

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Problems Burnout Caused by too much OR too little stress Occurs most often in “helping” professions Avoiding burnout Vary assignments and routines Have a voice in the decision-making process

Professionalism Image Grooming Clothing Attitude Confidence Diplomacy

Professionalism Health and physical fitness Credentialing

Professionalism Health and physical fitness Exercise diminishes stress Credentialing – See Table 1-1 Licensure Accreditation Certification Registration

Keeping Current Professional publications Network with peers Professional organizations Educational seminars Internet research Continuing education Continuing education units

Stop and Think Case Scenarios Review scenario “Listen and Observe” What would you think and say to her? Review scenario “Positive Attitude” Think about each statement and tell how you would respond, considering whether his statement(s) and your response(s) are positive, negative, or neutral.

Scenario p.23 Listen and Observe Scenario- A patient who is usually cheerful comes into the office and sits in the corner not talking to anyone. She is wearing a grumpy look and her posture is one of dejection. What do you think and say to her?

Scenario #2 p.23 Positive Attitude Scenario; A patient arrives and you ask him how he is. He responds, “Well, I don’t know until I find out my test results.” He also says, “ The numbers probably haven’t changed and I’ll have to continue taking all of these pills.” Think about these statements, tell how you would respond, considering whether his statement(s) and your responses are positive, negative , or neutral.

Stop and Think Case Scenarios Review the scenario “Patient Education” How can you tactfully educate Mary Lou’s mother about her daughter’s reactions? How would you inform the mother and Mary Lou about what the physician will be doing?

Stop and Think Case Scenarios Review the scenario “Aggressive Versus Assertive Response” Try to reword what you would say to the patient so that it is assertive instead of aggressive