UNIT CLERK - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT - PART TIME

About the Role

The Nursing Unit Clerk performs clerical functions related to the admission, discharge, and continued hospitalization of patients. This position ensures physicians and other clinicians are enabled and supported in the accurate, effective, efficient, and safe use of the electronic patient record. The Unit Clerk contributes to the organization of the department and the delivery of patient care within hospital policies, while also performing receptionist duties. The role actively promotes a Lean work culture and supports Excela’s missions, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model of service excellence, demonstrating courtesy, compassion, and responsiveness toward patients, families, visitors, physicians, and healthcare team members.
• Establish a welcoming environment by greeting others professionally, making eye contact, and introducing yourself.
• Advise physicians of the nurse assigned to their patients and notify the appropriate nurse of the need to round with the physician.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques, take thorough messages, and operate the telephone system (answer, transfer, hold, three-way calls, speakerphone).
• Answer all calls within 2-3 rings, identify the department and yourself, and use professional telephone manners.
• Support individual communication strategies, such as whiteboards.
• Contribute to the delivery of direct and indirect patient care within established hospital policies and standards.
• Assist in meeting patient care needs, including basic tasks like providing water pitchers, tissues, blankets, and hygiene supplies.
• Answer the nurse call system, direct caregivers, and assist as appropriate.
• Review physician orders via the order entry system and enter communication orders (e.g., messages, triggers, central supply orders, NPO status, nutrition orders, escort notifications, transfer/discharge orders).
• Retrieve lab specimen labels and requisitions for appropriate staff.
• Collect, document, and report ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Make patient rounds to address needs and maintain the physical environment.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and uncluttered workspace and nurses' station.
• Support physicians and clinicians in the effective and safe use of the electronic medical record (EMR) and functions like Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE).
• Assist physicians and authorized providers in placing electronic orders (diagnostic, nursing, medication).
• Provide assistance to the nurse manager for business-related tasks, including unit scheduling, payroll, educational programs, inventory, and supply ordering.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with physicians and healthcare providers to ensure continuous patient care flow.
• Maintain complete electronic and paper patient charts while protecting the integrity of the EMR.
• Notify the RN promptly of "stat" orders and schedule follow-up appointments for post-discharge patients.
• Review communication orders and facilitate their completion.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate staffing levels by identifying and contacting replacement staff as needed.
• Enter staff assignments accurately and update them as needed.
• Participate in unit performance improvement activities to enhance patient care and customer service quality.
• Demonstrate leadership by solving problems using critical thinking and acting as a resource person and patient advocate.
• Assist in maintaining or decreasing organizational and department costs.
• Ensure compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies, and assist in continuous survey readiness.
• Adhere to infection control processes, including standard precautions, to reduce infection risks.
• Oversee sufficient and proper supply maintenance on the assigned unit.
• Ensure patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies, using two forms of patient identification before care implementation.
• Assume an appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent knowledge.
• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently on assigned duties.
• Strong organizational skills and proficient keyboarding abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology.