Unit Secretary - Telemetry

Unit Secretary (Health Unit Coordinator)

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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