2: Health Services Administrations

Role Recognition

• Match common healthcare careers to their typical duties. Understand the daily responsibilities of various professionals including:

  • Physicians: diagnose and treat illnesses, manage patient care.

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): provide direct patient care, communicate with doctors, monitor patient recoveries.

  • Physician Assistants (PAs): assist in diagnosis and treatment, conduct physical exams, prescribe medications.

  • Medical Assistants (MAs): perform administrative and clinical tasks, schedule appointments, assist with examinations.

  • Allied Health Professionals: including radiologists, lab technicians, and therapists.

Settings & Who Works Where

• Identify professionals commonly working in various healthcare settings:

  • Hospitals: physicians, nurses, PAs, MAs, and various specialists.

  • Clinics: primary care providers, nurses, MAs, and specialty providers.

  • Private Practice: physicians, nurse practitioners, and administrative staff.

  • Laboratories: lab technicians and technologists.

  • Community Settings: public health workers, social workers, and community health nurses.

Education/Credentialing Basics

• Review minimum education or training expectations for key roles:

  • Genetic Counselors: master’s degree in genetic counseling.

  • Allied Health Credentials: various levels depending on the profession, often requiring certification specific to the role.

  • RNs: typically require an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing; pass the NCLEX-RN.

  • PAs: require a master's degree from an accredited PA program.

Licensure vs Certification

• Understand the difference between licensure and certification:

  • Licensure: a mandatory process for health professionals to practice legally, often requires passing a state exam (e.g., RNs, physicians).

  • Certification: a voluntary process to demonstrate additional expertise in a specialty (e.g., board certifications for physicians or specialty certifications for nurses).

Scope of Practice & Patient Safety Scenarios

• Practice choosing the best action or the appropriate role in clinical situations:

  • Clearly understand the role boundaries:

    • RNs can provide direct patient care and manage treatment plans.

    • PAs can diagnose but typically work under a physician's supervision.

    • MAs can assist with basic patient assessments but do not manage complex care.

• Focus on safety escalation protocols (when to involve a supervisor or other healthcare professionals).