Unit Secretary

About the role

This position performs secretarial, clerical, and receptionist support duties necessary for the operations of a patient care unit. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs general secretarial and clerical responsibilities.
• Answers calls to meet patient needs in a timely fashion and accurately notifies the appropriate nursing staff.
• Enters and coordinates computer data on all patients in the unit.
• Coordinates with other hospital departments such as radiology, environmental services, laboratories, and social services to request and obtain supplies and services.
• Works with nursing staff to coordinate patient transfers to and from the unit or other facilities.
• Serves as the unit's communication person by answering phone calls, taking and relaying messages.
• Answers questions of visitors, physicians, or other departments in person or by phone.
• Greets and assists visitors and family members.
• Provides routine information regarding hospital and unit procedures.
• Initiates, maintains, and updates patient charts, inserting appropriate forms, department reports, and consults.
• Rearranges order of charts for medical records when a patient is discharged.
• Ensures that charts for transfer patients are copied prior to transfer to other facilities.
• Completes appropriate requisitions and/or charge slips and obtains proper approvals.
• Accesses patient data for nursing and medical staff as needed.
• Maintains work area on the nursing unit in a neat and orderly condition.
• Assists with orientation of new associates to the functioning of the nursing station.
• Performs other duties as required or directed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention training within 6 months of hire required.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• 6 months to 1 year of experience as a unit secretary, registration, or medical records, or related clerical experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Experience in an acute care setting preferred.

Skills

• Ability to comprehend and follow the policies and procedures for MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
• Ability to read, write, and speak or communicate in English to successfully accomplish the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical behavior that supports the hospital's mission, values, and commitment to compliance with all federal, state, and regulatory laws.
• Inspires trust and exhibits honesty and integrity within the scope of daily activities.
• Exhibits professionalism, courtesy, and excellent customer service while interacting with patients, guests, and co-workers.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Knowledge of hospital information management systems.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to maintain constant mental alertness and withstand a high level of tension and stress.
• Ability to maintain concentration when subjected to frequent and varied interruptions and variable noise levels.
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in the resolution of problems encountered.

Pay

This position has a hiring range of USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 per hour.