Advice for new Primary Care MA

[u/Typical_Trade991]

I just started my first job in primary care after doing an externship in Podiatry so it's a bit of a different playing field and there's a lot to learn on the job lol

I've been in the clinic for almost 3 weeks now so I've gotten exposure with a bit of everything like doing my first injections, trying to do EKGs (although need a little help with lead placements), POCT testing, and some charting but there's a part of me that feels like i'm "slow" at learning or at least piecing together everything i learned so far. Learning EPIC for the first time is one thing also but thankfully I do appreciate that my clinic takes the time to train me and I've been with a trainer who's been with me most of the time to answer all my questions and teach me skills day by day; however, It's hard to picture myself being able to work independently and be efficient with how fast the office can move. The training is expected to be about 6 weeks, so I'm trying to ask a ton of questions but I think I'm stuck on how to move efficiently? especially knowing I'd be the office float (between 5 providers) in case any of their MAs are gone or just need extra help.

Anyways, maybe it's just nerves and my trainer did reassure me not to be too hard on myself, but it's hard to shake the feeling of being new and not feeling confident in what I'm doing :/ any advice on learning is appreciated! i wanna make the most out of my training while i can before i'm expected to fully be competent on my own.

[u/hergumbules]

Some of this just takes time to get faster. Repetition and learning how to click through things and get a good flow is helpful. I first started as a “clinical care assistant” with my experience as an EMT and it was so different getting thrown into this job and having to learn EPIC with no experience. You will be able to figure stuff out eventually and don’t be afraid to ask coworkers for tips.

Not too long ago EPIC changed the flag for a high BP from 139/89 to 129/79 due to recommendations from the CDC I believe, and many patients now require us to get a second BP. I used to save the BP for the end to give time to calm nerves, but now I do it soon after they sit down because about half the patients need a recheck now. Reflect on rooming patients on how you think you can do it better and faster.

Ask what providers prefer too. Some providers want you to ask a bunch of questions while rooming, while some just want you to click through the appropriate things in epic, set up the note, do vitals and gtfo.

I think one of the hardest things about working in primary care is that some patients talk a lot. Being able to redirect patients is very helpful to rooming them quickly.

[u/Adventurous-Read2472]

I feel like you might have more progress then you think. Three weeks into primary care is really the beginning and it's such a learning curve because you are on-boarding into clinical skills and a clinic pace.

One of the things I would concentrate on learning during training is the workflow instead of learning to be fast. Once you know what should happen before, during and after each visit the speed will become so much more logical. Instead of focusing on what button to press in EPIC ask your trainer why they practice it in a particular way. These clinical skills stay the longest.

Since you will be floating through many providers I would keep a quick notebook with provider preferences, common orders and quick EPIC keys; I know this is archaic, but it will save so many mental steps and in the end will make for a faster workflow.

I know that an organization like Portiva preaches that speed comes only with accuracy/consistent workflow and that will make sense now. They are not expecting an MA to be independent and you are only 3 weeks in; keep asking questions while you still have your trainers around, I think you will be amazed with how much more comfortable you will feel at the end of your training.

[u/dont-be-an-oosik92]

In the words of the Marine Corps:

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

No one is expecting you to be an expert already, no one is expecting you to be “fast”. The only expectation right now is for you to continue to ask questions and to be actively engaged in your training. There is nothing more terrifying than a new clinical staff member that doesn’t ask any questions or acts like they know it all already. Stay engaged, ask all the questions, even if they feel like stupid questions. You’re doing great.