Health Unit Coordinator

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Health Unit Coordinator reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Performs unit-based reception, clerical, medical record and patient registration functions. Is capable of setting priorities and handling emergency situations in a calm manner. Is customer oriented and able to communicate with all levels of staff and patients and their families. Serves as liaison between patient care units and all other patient related departments. Manages the overall unit workflow in concert with the charge RN and/or assistant manager.

Responsibilities:

• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.

• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers.

• Addresses questions and concerns promptly, or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so.

• Provides directions or help to patients and customers with finding their way.

• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.

• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.

• Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.

• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.

• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.

• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.

• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.

• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with other team members.

• Has respect for and understanding of other disciplines.

• Coordinates all work with the Manager and Charge Nurse.

• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Manager, Charge Nurse, co-workers and physicians.

• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs.

• Retrieves all lab results from computer and bring results to the attention of the nurse caring for the patient.

• Interacts professionally with patients/family and provides explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary.

• Prepares medical records for new admissions and disassembles the chart and forwards to Medical Records upon patient discharge.

• Maintains proper record assembly contents in chronological order behind tabs.

• Obtains necessary signatures and documents. Aware of Petition and Certificate process in regard to Involuntary Admissions.

• Transcribes accurately and clarifies handwritten, orders set physicians orders and clinical data. Enters and verifies orders in the computer to ensure timely and accurate delivery of medications, supplies, diagnostic/therapeutic tests/services.

• Seeks out and obtains learning opportunities.

• Participates in professional growth and development activities and shares knowledge from continuing education programs with co-workers.

• Demonstrates computer competence for order entry, results, documentation, policies, etc.

• Manages and operates equipment safety and correctly.

• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

• Demonstrates confidence and success with multiple, high level, time sensitive tasks.

• Answers telephone, monitors unit closed circuit camera, and intercom/door entry system in a polite manner and communicates information to the appropriate staff/family.

• Utilizes critical thinking skills to successfully demonstrate the ability to prioritize and complete unit work quickly as the needs of the unit, patients, and staff change.

• Monitors patient's type in the computer against actual status and makes corrections when necessary.

• Performs pre-census and validates daily admission, discharge and census lists.

• Registers patient in the computer.

• Conducts telephone screenings (inquiry calls)in a fashion resulting in appropriate disposition based on the phone contact. Observes patient confidentiality rules and Release of Information data.

• Orders supplies and prints all forms used for patients charts.

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

• Basic computer knowledge.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbal and in writing.

• Ability to assess and determine situations requiring an interpreter and to use interpreter services effectively

• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred:

• One year of experience in pertinent clinical specialty

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.