UNIT SECRETARY-SITTER

Job Summary

The Unit Secretary/Sitter functions directly under the supervision of the Nurse, Patient Care Coordinator, and is directly accountable to the Patient Care Manager. The Unit Secretary/Sitter is responsible for the secretarial aspects of patient care and the environmental management of the work unit, including monitoring equipment and supplies, making appointments, answering the phone, relaying messages, maintaining the cleanliness of the nurses’ station, and performs other duties as assigned. Unit Secretary/Sitter maintains the safety of patients who are confused, at risk for falling, or are suicidal and deemed a danger to self or others. This includes maintaining safety for patients in restraints. Maintains a safe clean environment for patient area. May participate in diversion activities with the patient such as reading to the patient, playing games/cards, watching TV, etc. Effectively interacts with the patient, his/her significant others, and the nursing staff. Effectively communicates observations, conditions, problems, safety issues, and concerns regarding the patient directly with the nursing staff. . Employs organizational strategies in a balanced approach that produces meaningful contributions to each element of the FGH Goals and Priorities. Requires the promotion of and adherence to the organization's established Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide reliable assistance to the members of the team including nurses, manager, and physicians. Demonstrates good customer service skills when interacting with patients, visitors, and co-workers. Helps ensure that the unit runs efficiently.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for performing secretarial and general unit duties.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for operating telephone, fax, scanner, label printer, and computer.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate and interact with patients, families, visitors & the whole health care team.
• Maintains competencies with restraints and required education to serve as a sitter
• Demonstrates ability to perform skills required for each unit’s population by rendering care to sit with a patient when assigned that may include restraint procedures, 1:1 suicide precautions and safety measures to prevent patient from injuring themselves or falling.
• Maintains BLS certification
• Demonstrates skills to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Maintains a well-supplied, organized nursing station by monitoring supplies and replenishing the inventory when needed. Performs assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Embraces and practices We CARE philosophy in all aspects of patient, visitor, co-worker, employee and nonemployee interactions.
• Demonstrates the ability to promote a culture of caring through compassionate care, teamwork, and courtesy in all interactions with customers, both internal and external.
• Demonstrates financial responsibility by using supplies in a cost efficient manner and keeping incremental overtime is to a minimum.

Qualifications

Education/Skills:

High School Diploma/GED required.

Work Experience:

Computer experience preferred but not required. Basic knowledge of patient care preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, and function under stress. Must be able to handle multiple tasks quickly and efficiently, prioritizing and communicating in a professional manner at all times.