Most of us have had the help and support of a Medical Assistant while visiting a hospital or a physician’s office and hopefully, the interaction was pleasant one. It’s not just the information you learn, however, that ensures you will have the qualities of a Medical Assistants. In order to become successful in this field there are some basic qualities that a candidate should possess.
Communication Skills
Among the most important Medical Assistant qualities are communication skills, as these are the basic characteristics for this profession. An MA should listen to a patient explain their concerns without interruption. At the same time, however, they ask questions to guide them in explaining their concerns. There are some diplomatic ways to obtain the essential information from the patients in order to help the physician treat them efficiently. Communication skills also involve clearly narrating the vital instructions to the patient, given by the Doctor. As an MA you should answer any questions the patient may have effectively and unmistakably; even if that means checking with the Doctor for the correct answer.
Compassion
Besides being a good listener, it is very important that a Medical Assistant is compassionate to their patients. An MA should try and understand the worries, concerns and other emotional states of each patient by discussing with them. Interacting with each patient in a compassionate way will help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed at the time of their health assessment.
Stress Management
A physician’s office or a hospital can be full of patient activity. At times this can make a Medical Assistant feel quite stressed. As an MA you will have a lot of administrative and clinical duties to perform each day on top of a busy waiting room and patients’ questions. Occasionally these work-related stresses can contribute to confusion and anxiety so it becomes your responsibility not to let that spill on to your patients. An MA should have the capability to overcome daily stress levels professionally and figure out the best way to handle any stressful situations that arise.
Reliable
A Medical Assistant is expected to be a reliable person. The physician, healthcare group associates, and the incoming patients depend on the Medical Assistant to relay the correct information and perform each task correctly. For those reasons a Medical Assistant should be punctual, career-focused and should value the conventional code of behavior.
Honesty
Among a Medical Assistant’s traits, ‘honesty’ is the best policy for this lifetime career. The personal information that a Medical Assistant collects has to be maintained as confidential in a healthcare setting. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a confidentiality rule that needs vigilance and care in maintaining each patient set of information. However, it is also considered courteous to behave trustworthy to a patient while reviewing their health or personal information (even during informal conversation). Each and every Medical Assistant will be introduced to circumstances where they need to prove their ethical and moral characteristics on a daily basis therefore honesty is a chief quality to become a professional Medical Assistant.
Willpower
At times, you will be interacting with a physician who is bursting with questions that may overwhelm you or with a disgruntled patient who is in a lot of pain that may be lashing out on you. In situation like this, having strong willpower towards your personal feelings is extremely important. Being a professional in a health care environment, not reacting but instead responding, and still remaining polite all at the same time is the unique Medical Assistant trait that is necessary for you as a good professional.
If you possess the above-mentioned traits, then go ahead and join in a professional Medical Assistant training program that will give you all the essential courses required to become a successful medical assistant. Are you thinking about a new career as a Medical Assistant? If so, contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for classes starting soon! Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.
-ALLEN SCHOOL