Department Secretary - Med Surg

Shift: Rotate

Job Type: Full Time

Hours:

The Unit Secretary (Health Unit Coordinator) is responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment, performing non-clinical nursing tasks, clerical and receptionist duties for a nursing unit. Access to demographic information and limited Patient Health Information related to job function.

· Obtains information and interpret information in terms of the patient’s needs.

· Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development.

· Understands the range of treatment needed as appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

· Maintains confidentiality of the patient.

· Communicates consistently with Clinical Manager and Bed Control in a pleasant and calm manner.

· Performs receptionist duties, answers phones and nurse call system, takes messages, greets and directs visitors and other hospital personnel.

· Consistently answers questions and directs visitors and the patients’ family members in a courteous manner.

· Consistently assists physicians and other hospital personnel with locating patients, charts, and answering questions at the time of request.

· Consistently follows appropriate lines of authority when communicating information and/or screening calls (according to unit guidelines).

· Consistently answers in-coming telephone calls within four rings: Responds to caller’s needs or refers telephone calls to appropriate person/department.

· Consistently assembles patient’s record within 30 minutes of transfer.

· Maintains current and previous records according to unit policies/procedures.

· Consistently keeps medical records in designated area.

· Obtains chart copies for transfer to another facility before discharge.

· Consistently maintains the integrity of the discharge chart for medical records.

· Consistently enters orders correctly into the CERNER System in a timely manner.

· Consistently follows appropriate CERNER downtime procedures (hard copy).

· Consistently signs, times and dates all transcribed orders as required.

· Consistently notifies nurse caring for patient of any STAT orders when written.

· At time of admission and on-going, documents allergies on medication administration record, physician order sheet, front of chart and kardex, and inputs info on the PMI screen. Maintains kardexes and to ensure complete and accurate.

· Assists the RN in clarifying illegible or confusing orders information in order to facilitate patient follow-up.

· Show evidence of input into unit effectiveness; attends all staff meetings, and/or reads and signs 100% of staff meeting minutes. (Unable to exceed standards).

· Participates in unit quality improvement activities as assigned.

· Gives end of shift report regarding pending issues to oncoming HUC or appropriate staff person.

· Uses all functions of computer system: transfer, discharge census sheets, reports, print functions, etc.

· Consistently keeps patient computer screen updated.

· Obtains preliminary reports as needed.

· Transports needed items to/from lab, pharmacy, or other departments as needed.

· Obtains emergency equipment as needed.

· Completes other non-direct patient care duties as directed.

· Consistently checks pre-established unit inventory and orders needed supplies.

· Takes responsibility in utilizing and directing volunteers.

· Consistently follows Infection Control Policies including proper handling of specimens and hand washing.

· Consistently assists in providing a safe environment by following all fire and safety precautions.

· Reports, documents, and takes appropriate action (by the end of the shift) for incidents or quality issues that may affect the patient’s or staff’s well-being. Assists in completing emergency forms, i.e., Fire Alarm Drill Log.

· Consistently reports broken equipment and/or needs for repairs and tags equipment appropriately.

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Able to understand complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Comprehensive general clerical skills required. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills towards all clients.
• Must be able to write legibly.
• Demands require working in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions and remaining calm under stress.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and organize work load independently.
• Must demonstrate teamwork in a pleasant manner.
• Job requires sitting, standing, walking and lifting minimum of 35 pounds.
• Possesses audible acuity necessary for answering phones, normal conversation and patient safety.
• Possesses visual acuity necessary for reading charts and other communication.

Preferred:

• Health Unit Coordinator certification desired.
• Prior unit secretary training or health care experience preferred

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