Unit Secretary

Unit Secretary

With a commitment to patient- and family-centered care, performs a variety of clerical duties, including data entry into Hospital Information System to support the operations of the unit. They assist in overall unit flow including supporting patients and medical staff by answering incoming calls, organizing information, and duties related to admission, transfer and discharge of patients. The unit secretary works collaboratively with unit based clinical staff and other departments to coordinate off unit testing and appointments. The unit secretary works with unit leadership and supply chain to help support the inventory needs of the unit. The unit secretary is professional and welcoming to all patients, families, visitors, and staff.

Job Duties

• Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson. Creates an environment of belonging and inclusion, demonstrating skills in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Recognizes the patients, their family/designated care partner(s) and interacts with compassion and care based on respect for patient's personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values. Minimizes risk of harm to patients and others by following established protocols and individual performance.
• Communicates with and supports the interprofessional team, patient, family and designated care partners. Maintain regular communication with Charge Nurse to meet the needs of the unit. Monitor electronic patient bed system for admission/discharge bed-flow, assign admissions, complete staffing assignment if needed, and request patient transport as needed. Collaborate with charge nurse with these duties to ensure patient appropriation for unit.
• Coordinate patient appointments/testing within the acute care setting including coordination of transport. May coordinate patient discharge appointments.
• Performs clerical functions to support department, including maintaining medical record to ensure complete and organized patient information. Organizes work environment for effective and efficient department operations.
• Processes medical orders to facilitate implementation of medical regime for patient care. Performs other related duties and complies with hospital policies and procedures. Uses information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support ethical decision-making.
• Active responder during unit emergency codes - Immediately call code to emergency response dispatcher, assist team in quickly gathering equipment, i.e. EKG, glucometer, crash cart, suction..., flushes, Etc.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures to attempt to reset before fielding to appropriate on-call repair team. (Patient TV, call bell wall unit, computers, printers, etc.). Participate in Unit Committee meetings - this is in addition to staff meetings. Monitor Tube station for incoming and outgoing items (medications, cardiac monitor strips, etc.) and dispense accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

• Related secretarial & computer experience, knowledge of medical terminology
• Cultural Awareness Knowledge of people with diverse backgrounds and the ability to convey respect and connect effectively.
• Effective Communication Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques, ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Uses the language of partnership with patients and families, engaging them in their health and health care. Appropriately and respectfully delegates to other team members.
• Patient-and Family-Centered Practice Knowledge of how to convey respect and collaborate with each patient, family and/or designated care partner in care setting.
• Knowledge of Medical terminology is highly recommended.

Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent
• Data entry experience preferred.