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 philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general secretarial and clerical responsibilities.
• Answers calls so that patient needs can be met in a timely fashion.
• 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, social services, etc. 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, 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, consults, etc.
• Rearranges order of charts for medical records when 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 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.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's degree preferred.
• Completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention training within 6 months of hire required.
• Less than 1 year (6 months) unit secretary registration or medical records or related clerical experience in a health care 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 the ability to 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

Hiring range: USD $18.40 - $29.74 /Hr.