UNIT SECRETARY/CNA- RMC 3RD ICU MAIN (PT Days)

About the Role

The Unit Secretary/CNA plays a dual role, providing both administrative and clinical support within an acute care setting. This position ensures the smooth operation of the unit by managing communication, patient records, and administrative tasks while delivering high-quality patient care. The role requires organization, compassion, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Administrative Duties (Unit Secretary)

• Manage day-to-day administrative tasks of the unit.
• Coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
• Answer and direct incoming calls, take messages, and manage paging systems.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, healthcare providers, and other hospital departments.
• Maintain up-to-date patient information in the electronic medical records (EMR) system, ensuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
• Assist in coordinating patient flow on the unit to meet patient needs promptly.
• Maintain an organized work environment by managing supplies, forms, and materials.
• Update unit communication tools, such as whiteboards and patient status boards.

Clinical Duties (CNA)

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, intake/output, and toileting.
• Answer call lights promptly and relay patient concerns to the nursing team.
• Monitor and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rates, oxygen saturation, weights, and blood sugars.
• Report any abnormalities in vital signs to the nursing staff.
• Assist patients with mobility, including turning, positioning, and transferring using proper body mechanics and safety techniques.
• Collect specimens such as urine and stool for laboratory testing as directed.
• Observe and report changes in patients' conditions to the nursing staff.
• Ensure patient safety and comfort by following established protocols.
• Document patient care activities and observations in the electronic health record (EHR) system accurately and timely.
• Adhere to infection control procedures, including hand hygiene and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with the setup, operation, management, and cleaning of medical equipment.
• Engage with patients and families to promote comfort, trust, and understanding.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Maintain annual education requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).

Non-Essential Duties

• Assist with additional clerical tasks such as filing, faxing, and photocopying.
• Maintain inventory levels for medical supplies and equipment.
• Stock patient care supplies and equipment in designated areas.
• Transport patients to other departments within the hospital as needed.
• Assist with non-clinical patient needs, such as directing visitors.
• Support unit meetings by preparing agendas, taking minutes, and distributing materials.
• Participate in unit-based quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide general assistance to visitors and non-clinical patients.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including patient rooms and common areas.

Requirements

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification required in the state of Illinois.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a hospital or acute care setting preferred.
• Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other office management software.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.

Preferred Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of a medical secretary or healthcare administration program is preferred.

Benefits

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards, including:

• Competitive compensation with base pay within the range of USD $19.02 - USD $23.46/Hr, plus premium pay such as shift differential and on-call opportunities.
• Annual performance-based increases.
• Paid Time Off programs (for .5 to 1.0 FTE).
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance (for .5 to 1.0 FTE).
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work (for .001 to .49 FTE).

Work Environment

Employee Health Requirements

• Chemicals: Occasional use of alcohol, cleaning agents.
• Video Display Terminals: Average use.
• Blood and Body Fluids: Minimal potential—very restricted direct patient contact.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal potential—very restricted direct patient contact.

Sensory Requirements

• Speech: Needed to communicate with physicians, patients, families, and hospital personnel.
• Vision: Needed to see CIS displays, read printouts, reports, and forms.
• Smell: Needed for electrical/fire safety.
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• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication and PA system announcements.
• Touch: Needed to manipulate equipment/tools and for computer entry.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday:

• Sit: 70%
• Stand: 10%
• Walk: 20%
• Twist: 10%
• Kneel: 2%
• Squat: 5%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 2%
• Lift: 5%

Weight required to be lifted each normal workday:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Lifting and carrying tasks include carrying reports, lifting IV supplies, and transporting medical supplies.

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards

• Inside hours: 11.95
• Outside hours: 0.5
• Temperature: Normal range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Dry
• Atmosphere: Odors
• Special Hazards: Radiation, chemicals (e.g., chemotherapy), explosive materials (e.g., oxygen), mechanical equipment (e.g., motorized wheelchairs).
• Protective Clothing Required: Gloves, gowns, masks, goggles as required for chemotherapy or isolation cases.