Unit Secretary

This position is primarily responsible for performing reception and clerical duties for a specific patient care unit and for functioning as the focal communication source for the nursing station. Required BLS Preferred High School Diploma or Equivalent Knowledge of computer skills. Vocational training as unit secretary, knowledge of medical terminology and hospital experience. Employee Exceptions Address patients, visitors, families, and co-workers in a pleasant and respectful manner; display courtesy at all times. Responds quickly & appropriately to inquiries and requests. Assist co-workers without being asked. Maintain confidentiality of all patient-hospital or physician related information. Refrain from gossip and speak in low tones in all appropriate areas. Demonstrate a pleasing disposition and sensitivity to visitors, families, and co-worker needs. Below the accepted standard for unscheduled absences. Assume the responsibilities form maintaining health interpersonal relationships with all those working or being cared for in the hospital. Demonstrate a commitment to providing the highest and most reliable quality service available on a daily basis. Strive for positive change in work area. Cooperates with team members in a constructive and supportive manner. Demonstrates ethical conduct and practices. Uses work time productively; limits personal phone calls, written communication, visitors, etc. to break and meal times. Routinely maintains a safe & clean work area. Demonstrates flexibility in working hours, shift schedules, and assignments in order to meet staffing requirements. Follows established procedure for schedule changes, special time and vacation requests, and return to work slips. Organizes workload and assists as needed. Reception Duties Notifies appropriate unit personnel of an admission, transfer or post‑op patient. Greets all persons coming to nursing station, answer inquiries, directs and assists, takes messages, assists with flowers, gifts and mail. Directs patient/visitor complaint/concerns to appropriate persons. Maintains confidentiality and release of information only to authorized persons. Explains and interprets policies and procedure when appropriate. Facilitates flow of communication in a courteous, pleasant manner. Cooperates with other personnel. Receives/delivers phone messages. Communicates patient information to patient's nurse in a timely manner. Consults/keeps Clinical Quality Coordinator and/or charge nurse informed of activities, needs, and/or problems of unit. Informs oncoming unit secretary of problems/tasks via written or verbal report. Clerical Organizes and maintains patient records. Assembles and prepares appropriate chart forms. Monitors and maintains inventory cost effectively and in a manner that is readily available for staff usage. Transcribes all physician orders in systemic fashion. Enters orders and messages into computer hospital information system. Documents order numbers from Affinity to physician's order sheet; signs off all orders. Coordinates patient transfer orders with ancillary services receiving unit and assures that all patient records, forms, and name stickers accompany patient to receiving unit. At the beginning and end of shift reviews charts for any missed orders. Enters pertinent information as required. Prepares requisition for consultation and documents as required. Enters into Affinity orders for specimen collection. Generates specimen collection for specimens to be collected. Sends specimens to laboratory. Personal Accountability Transports/runs errands for unit. Participates in quality improvement, safety, and infection control issues. Participates in orientation of new personnel. Complies with schedules; is punctual. Participates on committees and taskforces. Attends all staff meetings and/or reads all staff meeting minutes. Maintains a professional standard of grooming and dress. Willingly floats to other units based on patient census & availability as requested by CQC/Supervisor. Miscellaneous Clerical Duties Communicates admission, discharge, transfer, and deaths to appropriate departments and completes death notification form. At time of discharge schedules follow-up appointments and post discharge ancillary services. Notifies appropriate department of patient disposition through computer or phone. Breaks down patient in universal chart order and places in appropriate medical record box. Maintains patient census record. Enters procedure charge in computer information system in those areas responsible for charge posting. Assures proper labeling and ID of medication drawer, nurse servers, allergies and Hollister tags. Updates patient data in computer system. Orders supplies for nursing unit as directed (Evening Unit Secretary). Maintains unit information ion written board (Night Unit Secretary). On nursing unit maintains Unit Activity Record. Maintains unit record logs. In the event of extended computer downtime proceeds with normal operations. Responsible for accurate census/patient classification at the beginning and ending of each shift. Responsible for accurate entries of admissions, discharge, and transfers on unit shift report; delivers to Nursing Service in a timely manner. Monitors pneumatic tube system used according to policy and procedures. Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr