Open Forum

A few years ago, we developed a Care Team Associate Technical position to help supplement our clinical staffing in ambulatory care. We do not have enough Medical Assistants or LPNs to do all of the routine tasks that need to be done in our clinics. Our clinics have been slow to respond to this available option. The ones that have want them to be able to function exactly like the Medical Assistant, except to not do medications. The role was not intended to be able to enter orders or work per protocol, but we are getting pushed for them to take on more responsibilities like these. We had envisioned a more team approach where they would room the majority of the patients, clean rooms, do simple procedures, etc, while the Medical Assistants and the LPNs did chart prep, orders, medications, more complex procedures, portal messages, etc.

If you are utilizing a position like this, I would love your insights on how you have utilized these staff and any successful staffing model that you are using.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

We have implemented unlicensed staff roles here at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I am a manager in Primary Care. I would be happy to connect with you; if it would be helpful. 

A few years ago, we developed a Care Team Associate Technical position to help supplement our clinical staffing in ambulatory care. We do not have enough Medical Assistants or LPNs to do all of the routine tasks that need to be done in our clinics. Our clinics have been slow to respond to this available option. The ones that have want them to be able to function exactly like the Medical Assistant, except to not do medications. The role was not intended to be able to enter orders or work per protocol, but we are getting pushed for them to take on more responsibilities like these. We had envisioned a more team approach where they would room the majority of the patients, clean rooms, do simple procedures, etc, while the Medical Assistants and the LPNs did chart prep, orders, medications, more complex procedures, portal messages, etc.

If you are utilizing a position like this, I would love your insights on how you have utilized these staff and any successful staffing model that you are using.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.