The medical screener job description is restricted to collecting patients’ information. They do not treat and need not be medical experts, though; a degree is required.
Though there have been predictions of Artificial intelligence to take over the medical job, to be more specific, the tendency of robots to take over the position of a medical screener is high.
However, it’s not happening today. So, if you are enthusiastic about the career path of a medical screener, read till the end. We will discuss broadly everything you need to know about a medical screener.
Table of Contents
Who is a medical screener?
When patients visit a healthcare center, a medical screener works with them. In this job, you’ll ask basic health inquiries to get information from patients, including their height, weight, blood pressure, and current illnesses. Documenting the data you obtain is one of your other responsibilities.
Moreso, The medical screener provides excellent service and ensures that all health workers, patients, and visitors are screened according to established norms upon entering any building in the Health sector A non-contact thermometer is used to take temperatures. If fever or symptoms are present, ask pre-determined screening questions and take appropriate action. Each person is given a surgical mask, and visitors receive an information leaflet. Throughout the shift, follow the proper infection control protocol. At all times, maintain a professional and safe working environment.
What does the Medical Screener do?
- They help maintain Health’s policies and philosophies effectively.
- They are the first point of contact at entrances, they provide excellent customer service.
- At all times, medical screener ensures infection control procedures are maintained and endure a secure workplace.
- Using a non-contact thermometer they take the temperature of every employee, patient, and visitor who enters the building and asks pre-determined screening questions.
- Follow established instructions to direct the individual if the temperature exceeds the cut-off point or has any symptoms.
- Each person is given a surgical mask, and visitors are given educational information.
- Maintains an adequate supply level at the station and uses resources in a fiscally reasonable manner.
- Assumes additional responsibilities as directed by department management.
How to become a medical screener?
You usually go through specific medical training to become a health screener. Some employers are willing to train you on the job, depending on your duties. In other circumstances, you’ll require nursing certification, medical training, past health screening experience, or equivalent credentials. You must be able to take blood pressure readings, operate medical equipment, perform a patient scan and assessment, and collect biometric data. Knowledge of medical vocabulary, familiarity with healthcare procedures, and adequate documentation are also required. In an emergency, a health screener must be efficient and respond calmly.
What are skills needed by a medical screener?
Communication Capabilities
Communication is vital in all industries, but it is much more for healthcare employees. In addition to routinely speaking with coworkers, health care personnel must talk about patients and their families. According to the Institute for Healthcare Communication, evidence suggests that a patient’s ability to follow through with medical recommendations, self-manage a life-threatening illness, and adopt preventive health habits are strongly linked to a health care team member’s communication skills.
Cooperation
A team player mindset is an essential attribute in health care employees. Numerous healthcare occupations are similar to team sports, with many personnel working together to provide care to patients. You must understand how to work with these colleagues in the patient’s best interests. According to a study published in the American College of Surgeons, improved team performance is linked to better patient outcomes.
Stress Reduction
In medical services, lives might be on the line. That’s a lot of pressure to be dealing with. Healthcare employees, according to research, are at significant risk of burnout if they do not have effective stress-management techniques. Burnout is defined as a state of long-term tiredness and waning interest in one’s profession.
The most effective healthcare professionals not only know how to deal with pressure but thrive on it. However, healthcare employees can control their stress and know when and how to step away from their demanding jobs to avoid burnout.
Optimistic Mentality
A positive mental attitude is beneficial to all employees, but it is especially effective in health care. Health care providers must have a positive attitude despite the rigors of the job, the stress of teamwork, and the regular contact with patients. The harsh reality of health care can quickly wear someone down, resulting in stress and other undesirable outcomes.
Why Medical Screener is needed
Like the doctors, Medical screeners are also important.
- They ensure patients are adequately taken care of.
- Without them, hospitals will be in chaos and disorderliness
- Increase the customer base of the hospital through their care and empathy
- They help reduce the workload on medical practitioners
Salaries earned by medical screeners?
While annual salaries for Medical Screeners range from $33,000 to $41,500 on ZipRecruiter, most Medical Screener salaries currently range from $33,000- $41,500.With top earners making $46,000 annually across the United States. The average compensation for a Medical Screener ranges widely (up to $8,500), implying that there may be several prospects for promotion and higher income dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Based on 28 salaries, an entry-level Medical Screener with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average of $12.02 per hour (tips, incentive, and extra pay). Based on 36 salaries, an early career Medical Screener with 1-4 years of experience gets an average total compensation of $13.38. The mid-career Medical Screener with 5-9 years of experience has a salary of $13.51.
Other roles performed by Medical Screener
A medical screener can also function as
- Lab attendant
- Emergency officers
- Radiologist
Medical Screeners are often seen as medical doctors, so it’s a career path that shouldn’t be looked at with contempt. It’s rewarding as it has a good salary structure. So, if that is the career you want, take it on pride.