Unit Secretary

About the Role

The Unit Secretary assumes primary responsibility for unit secretarial, receptionist, and clerical support in a professional manner, applying skills in critical thinking, judgment, mental organization, and unit operation to perform a variety of tasks. This role supports hospital policy and promotes patient safety as part of a healthcare team.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of medical terminology and accurately transcribes physician’s orders.
• Completes assignments independently and collaborates with the team using effective problem-solving, communication, and chain-of-command skills.
• Accurately schedules, requests, or communicates patient information while adhering to hospital privacy policies.
• Operates and applies unit equipment and software applications.
• Actively supports hospital policy and patient safety as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Assists nursing staff with delegated tasks to enhance the patient experience.
• Greets and assists visitors, answers inquiries, and directs them appropriately.
• Manages a multi-line telephone system, responding to requests efficiently and professionally.
• Handles, picks up, delivers, or stocks non-controlled medications as directed by a licensed team member.
• Adheres to safety policies, reports unsafe conditions, and complies with all Methodist Healthcare System (MHS) safety protocols.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies specific to the patient population served.
• Preferred: 1 year of secretarial experience in a healthcare setting.
• Must learn and comply with System and facility safety policies and use appropriate safety equipment.
• Adheres to the MHS Code of Conduct and demonstrates ethical behavior.
• Reports any activity that appears to violate applicable laws, rules, regulations, or the Code of Conduct.

Methodist Excellence (ME) Behavior Standards

• Attitude: Maintains a positive and cheerful demeanor, reflecting the facility’s commitment to quality care.
• Appearance: Presents a professional appearance to uphold the organization’s image.
• Communication: Demonstrates essential communication skills for effective intra- and inter-departmental collaboration and patient care.
• Compassionate Service: Provides care with compassion and passion, prioritizing the emotional and clinical needs of patients.
• Ownership/Pride: Takes pride in representing MHS and feels a sense of ownership toward their role and the organization.
• Privacy: Respects patient privacy and conducts themselves professionally in all interactions.
• Safety: Ensures the safety of patients, physicians, coworkers, visitors, and themselves.
• Teamwork/Commitment to Coworkers: Collaborates effectively with the healthcare team to achieve better collective results.
• Fun: Contributes to a positive workplace environment by enjoying their role and fostering fellowship.
• Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for job actions, performance, and adherence to all MHS policies and procedures.

Benefits

Methodist Hospital Northeast offers a total rewards package supporting health, life, career, and retirement, including:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine services.
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
• Paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

About Methodist Hospital Northeast

Methodist Hospital Northeast is a 232-bed, full-service hospital offering:

• The Joint Replacement Academy with the latest treatment options for knee and hip pain.
• An impressive neurosurgical program, including elective spine surgeries and advanced brain and spine care.
• Recognition as a Certified Primary Stroke Center by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
• Accreditation as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI by the American College of Cardiology.
• A Pathway to Excellence Program identified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
• Recipient of the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing quality improvements in treating severe heart attacks.
• Nationally recognized with Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade A.