Becoming a pediatric medical assistant ensures a rewarding career. Pediatric medical assistants work with physicians and nurses to provide healthcare to children. They can have a wide range of administrative duties, like registering patients, and clinical duties such as checking vitals and taking medical histories. Therefore, prospective medical assistants should have a diverse skill set and a positive attitude. If you’re wondering if you could find success in the healthcare field as a pediatric medical assistant, Prism Career Institute takes a look at some key characteristics you’ll need alongside your education.
Patience
You have probably heard the saying “patience is a virtue,” and for good reason. Being patient is an extremely valuable quality to have, especially when working with children and in healthcare. Children may be scared or not feeling well when they meet you, and it’s essential to stay calm and patient when you work with them to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. You may also have to explain things to children differently than you would with adults by stating things in simple language. It’s important to have patience when doing so to avoid confusion and upset.
Empathetic Attitude
Empathy is an important trait to have when you work with young children. Medical assistants are often the first people children see when they enter the doctor’s office or hospital, and you have the opportunity to make them feel comfortable and understood during their visit. You can demonstrate empathy by listening without interrupting and acknowledging that doctor visits can be intimidating but that there’s nothing to fear. When a medical assistant treats their patients in a way that makes them feel cared for, they will be more calm and cooperative.
Compassionate Approach
Medical facilities can be frightening for children, and being sick or injured often makes their fear worse. Having a compassionate and caring medical assistant greet them can help make a child more comfortable during their visit. Compassion is essential for people who work with sick children so they can provide health guidance as well as emotional support. You should always try to speak to children in a kind and understanding tone and show them their concerns and emotions are valid. You could also sit beside them when talking to demonstrate they’re worth your attention.
Observant
Being observant is very beneficial to pediatric medical assistants and their patients. When you pay close attention to verbal and visual cues, you can detect symptoms children may not mention or be able to put into words as an adult would. Additionally, worried parents may have difficulty explaining their child’s symptoms. The best pediatric medical assistants watch closely for signs of chills, pain, infection, and other issues and bring them to the physician’s or nurse’s attention as part of the check-in and medical history process to ensure nothing is overlooked.
A Fun Attitude
Last but not least, pediatric medical assistants should aim to have a fun personality. When working with children, it is necessary to relate and bond with them. Try to make them comfortable by telling a funny joke, singing a song with them, or simply asking a question about their interests. When you distract a child from their worries and discomfort, they can relax and ensure a more comfortable, productive visit for everyone.
Learn More About Our Medical Assistant Program
Do you have the traits of a successful pediatric medical assistant? Even if some of these qualities don’t come naturally to you, it’s possible to work on them during your training to ensure you’re ready for work in a pediatrician’s office, hospital, and more. If you’re interested in becoming a pediatric medical assistant, learn more about Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assistant Program in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, or apply online now.