Portia Harris
Anderson,SC
Summary
Dedicated Certified Medical Assistant with expertise in patient care, clinical documentation, and electronic health records. Committed to enhancing clinic efficiency and ensuring patient safety through meticulous organization and attention to detail.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Medical Assistant
Nephrology and Internal Medicine of Anderson
Anderson, SC
09.2018 - Current
- Conducted patient assessments and collected medical histories to support nephrology treatments.
- Assisted physicians during examinations and procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Managed electronic health records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.
- Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Provided compassionate care for patients, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive experience.
- Assisted physicians with various procedures, ensuring comfort and accuracy for optimal patient outcomes.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Reduced wait times for patients by maintaining an organized schedule and swiftly preparing examination rooms.
- Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
- Conducted preliminary patient evaluations measuring weight, temperature and blood pressure.
- Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by thoroughly documenting patient information and updating electronic health records.
- Contributed to a welcoming atmosphere at the practice by greeting patients warmly upon arrival, checking them in efficiently, and answering any questions they had about their visit or overall healthcare needs.
- Communicated clearly and effectively with patients to verify information, determine purpose of visit and record medical history.
- Directed patients to examining rooms and coordinated transportation assistance as necessary.
- Increased patient safety by meticulously following infection control protocols and maintaining a sterile environment.
- Consistently maintained up-to-date certifications, demonstrating dedication to professional development and quality patient care.
- Facilitated continuity of care through proper scheduling of follow-up appointments based on physician recommendations.
- Educated patients on preventative care measures, effectively reducing the risk of future health complications.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by providing knowledgeable education on procedures, medications, and other physician instructions.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Oriented and trained new staff on proper procedures and policies.
Surgical Technologist
Medicus Surgery Center
Anderson, SC
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Assisted surgeons by preparing and maintaining sterile surgical instruments and equipment.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure efficient workflow during procedures.
- Monitored patient vital signs and maintained records throughout surgeries.
- Implemented sterilization protocols, enhancing infection control practices in the operating room.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on surgical techniques and best practices.
- Conducted inventory management of surgical supplies to optimize resource availability.
- Evaluated surgical instruments for functionality, ensuring readiness for use in operations.
- Led initiatives to streamline preoperative processes, improving overall surgical efficiency.
- Maintained high infection control standards.
- Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
- Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
- Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures for optimal patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.
- Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
- Supported smooth transitions between surgeries by promptly preparing the operating room for subsequent cases.
- Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
- Mentored new surgical technologists, sharing expertise and fostering their growth within the profession.
- Ensured proper care of surgical instruments through meticulous cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance processes.
- Maintained daily workflow, coordinating with operating room staff to prepare for scheduled and emergency cases.
Nursing Assistant
AnMed Health Medical Center
Anderson, SC
08.2009 - 08.2014
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Monitored vital signs, documenting changes to support patient care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement individualized care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on health management and wellness practices.
- Trained new staff on patient care protocols and best practices.
- Streamlined communication between nursing staff and medical providers to enhance patient outcomes.
- Led initiatives to improve patient satisfaction through enhanced service delivery.
- Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming, and other hygiene needs.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Increased patient engagement by providing emotional support, companionship, and encouragement during challenging times.
- Promoted a safe and clean environment by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and sanitation standards.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Skillfully operated medical equipment, such as glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs, ensuring accurate data collection for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.
- Agreed to take on additional shifts and extra hours during busy periods and holidays to maintain proper staffing and floor coverage.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Observed or examined patients to detect symptoms that required medical attention such as bruises or open wounds.
- Engaged in housekeeping tasks by replacing linens and cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
Education
Certificate - Medical Assisting
Tri-County Technical College
Pendleton, SC07-2018
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Tri-County Technical College
Pendleton, SC07-2014
High School Diploma -
Westside High School
Anderson, SC05-2007
Skills
- HIPAA compliance
- Medical terminology
- Specimens collection and processing
- Patient scheduling
- Patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Electronic health records
- Vital sign monitoring
- Patient documentation
- Medical records management
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Verbal and written communication
- Safety compliance
- Schedule coordination
- Medical records oversight
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Electronic medical records
- Data entry
Certification
- CMA - Certified Medical Assistant
Timeline
Certified Medical Assistant
Nephrology and Internal Medicine of Anderson
09.2018 - Current
Surgical Technologist
Medicus Surgery Center
08.2013 - 05.2016
Nursing Assistant
AnMed Health Medical Center
08.2009 - 08.2014
Certificate - Medical Assisting
Tri-County Technical College
Certificate - Surgical Technology
Tri-County Technical College
High School Diploma -
Westside High School