Clinical Assistant – Emergency Room Internship

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children is Hawai’i’s only maternity, newborn and pediatric specialty hospital. It is well recognized as Hawai’i’s leader in the care of women, infants and children. With 253 beds, the not-for-profit hospital delivers 6,000 babies a year, and is also a medical teaching and research facility. Specialty services for patients throughout Hawai’i and the Pacific Region include intensive care for infants and children, 24-hour emergency pediatric and adult care, critical care air transport and high-risk perinatal care. Over 1,400 employees and more than 700 physicians provide specialty care at Kapi’olani. The hospital is home to the Kapi’olani Women’s Center and the Women’s Cancer Center, and offers numerous community programs and services, such as specialty pediatric clinics, the Kapi’olani Child Protection Center and the Sex Abuse Treatment Center.

Introduction

The Emergency Room (ER) is one of the most intense and fast-paced environments in any hospital. It is where lives are saved every minute, and every second counts. In this critical setting, the role of a Clinical Assistant – Emergency Room becomes incredibly important. While doctors and nurses lead medical care, clinical assistants provide the essential support that keeps everything running smoothly.

This role is not just about tasks and routines—it is about being present during some of the most critical moments in a patient’s life. A Clinical Assistant in the ER works behind the scenes and on the front lines, helping patients feel cared for, supported, and safe during emergencies.

Kapi‘olani Medical for Women & Children has a team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians and the only pediatric emergency department in the state of Hawai‘i, treating approximately 16,000 patients a year. The Emergency Room provides recognized excellence in emergency care to pediatric patients, as well as those needing specific women’s services. The emergency staff is trained to diagnose patients and refer them to other specialists within the hospital when necessary.

As the Clinical Assistant, you will join the team of clinical professionals providing exceptional health care services at Kapi‘olani. In this role, you will help to perform a variety of nursing and health care procedures, as well as certain clerical services. We are looking for someone helpful and dedicated, with a fine-tuned sense of responsibility, the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented atmosphere, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality health care to Hawai‘i’s people.

Key Responsibilities

1. Patient Support and Initial Care

One of the primary responsibilities is assisting patients as they arrive in the ER. This includes:

• Helping patients get settled on beds or stretchers

• Taking basic information such as vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse)

• Providing comfort and reassurance to patients and their families

In emergencies, even small acts of care can make a big difference.

2. Assisting Medical Staff

Clinical Assistants work closely with doctors and nurses by:

• Preparing medical tools and equipment

• Assisting during minor procedures

• Handling supplies needed for treatment

• Supporting patient examinations

Their assistance ensures that medical staff can work quickly and efficiently.

3. Maintaining Clean and Safe Environment

Cleanliness is crucial in the ER to prevent infections. Responsibilities include:

• Cleaning and sanitizing treatment areas

• Preparing rooms for incoming patients

• Disposing of medical waste properly

A clean environment directly supports patient safety.

4. Equipment Handling and Preparation

Clinical Assistants ensure that all equipment is ready for use:

• Checking monitors and basic medical devices

• Restocking supplies like gloves, bandages, and syringes

• Reporting any faulty equipment

5. Administrative Duties

In addition to clinical work, they may:

• Update patient records

• Assist with admissions and discharges

• Communicate patient information to staff

6. Emergency Response Support

During critical situations, Clinical Assistants must act quickly by:

• Bringing emergency equipment

• Assisting in patient transport

• Supporting life-saving procedures under supervision

Location: Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children

Work Schedule: Rotating – 12 Hours

Work Type: Full Time Regular

FTE: 0.900000

Bargaining Unit: Teamsters

Exempt: No

Req ID 30296

Pay Range: 24.72 – 26.02 USD per hour

Category: Medical Support Staff

Skills and Qualifications Required

To succeed in this role, a Clinical Assistant should have a mix of technical and personal skills:

• Basic medical knowledge or healthcare training

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to stay calm under pressure

• Quick thinking and problem-solving ability

• Physical stamina for long shifts

• Compassion and empathy

Certifications in basic life support (BLS) or first aid are often beneficial.

Minimum Qualifications: High school or equivalent. Completion of nurse aide course with certification OR completion of nursing fundamentals. Current American Heart Association Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card.

Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of clinical experience OR a successful completion of HPH Nurse Aide Program. Current Hawaii CNA certificate. One (1) year clerical experience in a healthcare setting.

EOE/AA/Disabled/Vets

Hawai‘i Pacific Health offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes pay and benefits. Rate of pay for selected candidates will be determined by various factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, relevant experience and training, as well as internal peer equity.

Benefits of the Role

1. Meaningful and Rewarding Work

Working in the ER allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every shift brings opportunities to help those in urgent need.

2. Career Growth Opportunities

This role can be a stepping stone to advanced healthcare careers such as nursing, paramedics, or medical technicians.

3. Job Stability

Healthcare professionals are always in demand, especially in emergency care settings.

4. Skill Development

You will gain hands-on experience in medical procedures, patient care, and emergency response.

5. Team-Oriented Environment

ER teams work closely together, creating a strong sense of teamwork and support.

Challenges in the Role

Like any healthcare job, this role comes with challenges:

• Handling stressful and emergency situations

• Dealing with emotional cases and patient trauma

• Working long hours, including nights and weekends

• Managing multiple tasks at once

However, these challenges build resilience and professional strength.