UNIT SECRETARY

About the Role

Join UT Southwestern as a Unit Secretary and help with our commitment to enhance patient care and comfort. UT Southwestern focuses on a Relationship-Based Care nursing method that allows for a stronger connection between patients and our caregivers, enabling more individualized and appropriate care. The possibilities to explore your interests and advance your career are limitless.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a high level of service for both internal and external customers.
• Answers phone and ensures patient requests are disseminated to nursing staff as appropriate.
• Communicates repeated patient requests to appropriate staff or Charge Nurse as necessary.
• Accurately and promptly transcribes orders.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Writes in legible handwriting on appropriate forms with required dates, times, and signatures.
• Coordinates scheduling of tests and procedures with appropriate departments in an efficient and timely manner.
• Makes orders available for nurse review following initial transcription.
• Generates accurate computer entries based on orders transcribed, including essential information regarding patient (e.g., allergies, isolation precautions).
• Routes computer entries and paperwork.
• Prioritizes "stat" and "now" orders above routine orders.
• Communicates priority orders, incomplete orders, illegible orders, or use of non-approved abbreviations to Charge Nurse in a timely manner.
• Files reports and documents in appropriate areas of patient's medical record as established by policies.
• Places lab results on chart prior to physician rounds.
• Thins patient's charts by removing reports and documents in accordance with established policies.
• Stores "thinned records" in accordance with policy in unit-based files.
• Reviews medical records of discharged patients to ensure all reports and documents within the record are stamped for designated patient and in order established by policy.
• Keeps unit stocked with supplies including forms; checks par levels and orders supplies.
• Stocks patient rooms, nursing station, and stocks ordered supplies.
• Checks any specialty trays/supplies to ensure no expired items.
• Coordinates repairs of equipment with BioMed as necessary; tracks items under repair.
• Ensures correct bed status for patients, enters unit charges daily, and returns any rental equipment.
• Makes runs to lab, pharmacy, or central supply as necessary.
• Communicates appropriately with patients/families, physicians, and staff; relays information to appropriate personnel accurately and timely.
• Gives staff and charge nurse status reports on pending items.
• Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient's family issues appear to be unresolved.
• Follows all established policies when performing all tasks; assumes accountability for all actions in the workplace and reports errors promptly.
• Orients new staff and students to work areas.
• Collaborates with other nursing staff and hospital employees to create an environment conducive to retention of qualified personnel.
• Utilizes downtime to assist others and/or to provide additional amenities to patients and/or patients' families.
• Performs duties that may include one or more core functions such as:
  • Directly interacting with or caring for patients.
  • Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants.
  • Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing, or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records).
  • Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing, or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Hospital and/or acute care experience (preferred).
• Certification as a Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC) (required; specialty areas may have increased certification requirements).
• Working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to maintain a high level of service.

Benefits

UT Southwestern offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Healthcare coverage.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• On-site childcare.
• Wage and merit increases.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.

About Us

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you to align with your future goals.

Schedule

• Full-time
• Part-Time
• PRN (as needed)

Work Location

5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas