Unit Secretary - Full-time, Nights - HVICU at HUP

Unit Secretary - Full-time, Nights - HVICU at HUP

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The HVICU (36 bed unit) cares for patients requiring CABG, valve repair/replacement, complex repair of aortic aneurysms or dissections and heart and lung transplantation surgeries. We also partner with our Heart Failure team for pre-operative management and post-operative implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices for bridge to transplant, bridge to recovery and destination therapies. We frequently care for patients who have had multiple heart surgeries, complex double or triple valve replacements, atrial ablation and MAZE procedures and revision of previous congenital heart defect repairs. Our nurses are experts in the most advanced critical care technologies including; Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation, ventilator management, and five different types of Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD).

Summary:

The Unit Secretary is an integral member of the health care team who delivers quality care through collaboration and communication with team members. They work under the direct supervision of the nurse manager and the registered nurse to support the clerical operations of the patient care unit. Some of the major responsibilities will include managing clerical and information systems, receptionist duties, collection and reporting of patient information while also assuming responsibility and accountability for their role performance based on HUP's Standards of Excellence

Responsibilities:

• Essential Accountabilities Answers telephones, takes and relays messages promptly, and answers inquiries Greets patients and visitors, gives directions, and answers questions in a professional manner Communicates with nursing staff and hospital staff about patients' needs and location. Ensures that patient consents and Advance Directive paperwork is in order and proper follow up is completed. Answers the patient call bell system and promptly communicates the patients' needs to the appropriate healthcare team member. Facilitates and manages access for security door/intercom systems on locked nursing units as indicated in a respectful manner per unit protocol. Assists nurses, physicians and other health care providers in emergency situations by arranging for emergency studies, placing routine, CODE and STAT telephone pages. Arranges for patient transport as needed. Sorts and delivers patient flowers, mail, and packages according to unit needs. Calls for equipment and supplies as needed and arranges for return of equipment after use, including malfunctioning equipment. Enters discharge information and appropriate admission and discharge destination in the hospital electronic information system as soon as the patient either arrives on the unit or leaves the unit. Maintains patient medical record per unit protocols. Prepares necessary patient chart copies for discharge to new level of care Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and/or Hospice. Prepares patient chart for all transitions in care: for tests, new patient care units, etc. Accountable for placing completed discharge charts in designated location for pickup by Medical Records personnel. Maintains and updates patient identification bracelets as needed and ensures patient identification bar code stickers are accurate. Keeps requisition locations filled and ensures sufficient supplies are available at the nurses' station. Monitors stationery and paper products levels
• Initiates order for supplies as directed by the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse. Maintains locations of forms in compliance with established guidelines. Maintains work area and mobile workstations in orderly fashion. Accepts reassignment to other units as directed by Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse. Sensitive and responsive to patient, family, and customer satisfaction issues by demonstrating courtesy and respect for patients, family visitors, hospital staff and employees. Supports and contributes to the unit's patient satisfaction goals. Provides direction to the medical teams for completing the electronic death certificate. Secures the certificate according to guidelines. Supports the process of notification to Gift of Life.
• Age Specific Accountabilities Identify the competencies required for each patient population that the employee works with (neonate, child, adolescent, young adult, middle adult and older adult) Neonate (0-1yr) Demonstrates knowledge of infant safety policy Recognizes and acts upon observed/potential breaches in infant safety guidelines Supports/responds to Code Amber alerts as directed by Charge Nurse Follows policy for obtaining consents/advance directive information for the infant through designated guardian Assists nursing to support family visitation policy pertaining to the patient needs Follows infant identification policy as it relates to the National Patient Safety GoalsAdolescent (12- 18 yr) Provides for privacy whenever possible Allows them to make decisions whenever possible Encourages patient to ask questions Assists nursing to support family visitation policy pertaining to the patient needs Follows policy for obtaining consents/advance directive information for the adolescent through designated guardian Follows hospital identification policy as it relates to the National Patient Safety GoalsYoung Adult (18-44) Recognize lifestyle stressors Support visitation needs with family and friends Encourage patient to ask questions, express concerns/fears Follows policy for obtaining consents/advance directive information Collaborate with RN to assist in handling education materials on a healthier lifestyleMiddle Adult (44-65) Recognizes that the middle adult may have some physical changes such as farsightedness-- decreased visual acuity, and may need assistance in completing forms such as consents/advance directives, etc. Assists nursing to support family visitation policy pertaining to the patient needs Follows policy for obtaining consents/advance directive information Follows hospital identification policy as it relates to the National Patient Safety GoalsOlder Adult (65+ ) Recognizes that the older adult may need more time to complete activities such as completing consent forms, advance directive forms, etc. Speaks clearly, rather than loudly, provides adequate time for responses and addresses the older adult using full name. Reduces background noises and faces the individual when speaking Follows procedure for supporting nursing in initiating the identification process of patients at risk for fallschart markers, room signs, calling for necessary equipment, etc. Assists nursing to support family visitation policy pertaining to the patient needs Follows policy for obtaining consents/advance directive information Follows hospital identification policy as it relates to the National Patient Safety Goals
• Patient Care Accountabilities Participates in Entity and Department wide initiatives for Patient/Employee safety Demonstrates an awareness of patient/ employee safety when carrying out daily responsibilities of their position Validation of annual competencies required for the position Identifies the patient per policy i.e. uses two identifiers Aware of the Safe Medical Devise Act Aware of the Material Safety Data Sheet Carries out fire and safety regulation Identifies where the oxygen safety valve is located Cleans and restocks equipment as needed Retrieves supplies and medications from tube system. Authorized to secure stock items in appropriate location. Delivers patient specific medications/blood products to the assigned nurse. Observes radiation precautions Observes chemotherapy precautions Demonstrates proper body mechanics when moving and lifting Alerts the nurse to the sounding of alarms. Does not change settings or rates on equipment. Follows HIPAA policies in regard to the use of disclosure of and amendment to Protect Health Information (PHI) Knows limits of responsibilities and seeks guidance as appropriate Identifies emergency equipment on the unit

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives. Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.