Unit Clerk BMH General Surgery Unit PRN

Unit Clerk BMH General Surgery Unit PRN

Under the supervision of the Unit Leadership, the Unit Clerk/Receptionist performs clerical and receptionist functions for the unit. Duties include preparing and compiling records on the nursing unit, coordinating unit communication systems (e.g. phones, nurse call system, hospital information systems); relaying information; maintaining optimal public relations; assisting in maintaining supplies, equipment and overall unit environment and other duties as assigned by the Unit Leadership. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required for those hired on or after 6/1/2017. 1-3 months related experience and/or training preferred. Previous healthcare experience preferred. Ability to successfully complete the organizations' competency requirements for English, writing, spelling and reading comprehension. Ability to successfully complete the hospital's orientation, core orientation and unit specific orientation.

Working knowledge of medical terminology. Ability to input and retrieve data from the organization's computerized systems. The organizational skills to maintain records and orderly filing systems and to manage multiple processes simultaneously. Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and all members of the care delivery team. Work which produces very high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g. CRT work between 70 and 90 percent of the time, and work involving extremely close tolerances and considerable hand/eye coordination for sustained periods of time. Involves considerable standing or walking, regular lifting of light-weight objects (i.e., 20 pounds or less) and assisting with heavier tasks such as assisting in lifting and moving patients. Minor straining or fatiguing positions must be assumed, and some fatiguing physical motions are required.

Coordinates the flow of information throughout the unit/department for all staff. Answers telephone and nurse call system and provides information or relays messages to patients, visitors and medical staff. Directs visitors to patients' rooms or visitor waiting areas. Distributes mail, newspapers, and flowers to patients. Compiles census of patients, maintains records and distributes information in accordance with unit/department procedures. Coordinates with the charge nurse to insure smooth, efficient and timely patient flow into, through and out of the department. Responsible for performing clerical duties and processing equipment and staff requests relative to department needs. Records name of patient, address, and name of attending Physician to prepare medical records on new patients. Keeps file of medical records on patients in unit. Monitors and requisitions supplies designated by nursing staff, organizes and stores such in accordance with unit/department procedures. Gathers/inputs/retrieves information into various computerized systems. Transports patients and guests to locations within facility, under direction or as needed. Stocking to facilitate patient care in unit assigned to. Take admission paperwork to room, facilitate and complete Medicare/important message, and other assigned paperwork as directed by RN. Manage incoming Tubes from tube station and deliver meds or other items to the RN. Work with transport to monitor elevator bays for beds/carts. Assist in monitoring Environment of Care. Other duties as assigned (passing water, getting towel) attending to patient and family needs. Maintains unsupervised access to the unit medication room(s) for stocking and/or retrieving supplies. Hold and cuddle stable newborn infants under the direction and supervision of the RN. (OB Mother Baby/Antepartum only)

Function as a Patient Safety Assistant for suicide precautions only, which includes:

- Safe patient handling required.

- Responsibilities include observation and reporting patient activities and behaviors and appropriate response intervention to assure patient safety. The Patient Safety Assistant will demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patient/patient family and other healthcare providers, and practice confidentiality and safety procedures as defined by agency. The Patient Safety Assistant provides services in accordance with policy and procedure manuals. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

- Maintain appropriate knowledge level to assist in patient turns and assist in patient transfer to commode/bathroom.

- Uses correct body positioning, proper body mechanics to avoid injury, utilizes safe work practices (e.g. pushing vs. pulling, patient transfer/lifting devices, etc.) and uses personal protective equipment when necessary.

80% Observation and prevention of unsafe patient behavior/activity 10% Communicating with the responsible R.N. about patient status and pertinent input to facilitate care planning. 5% Accompanies patients for diagnostic tests occasionally. 5% Maintains a clean and orderly environment.

Functioning in Patient Safety Assistant role NOT required in the following departments: 5102 Infusion Center (BMH) 5900 Endoscopy Unit (BMH) 6800 OB Labor/Delivery Unit (BMH) 6830 OB Mother/Baby Unit (BMH) 5700 Surgery (BMH) 5712 Preoperative Surgery (BMH) 5755 Bronson Outpatient Surgery Center - Waln (BMH) 6000 NICU (BMH) 5800 PACU (BMH) 5110 Anticoagulation Clinic (BMH) 6430 Prep & Recovery Unit (BMH)