Unit Secretary -ED - FT - Nights - Augusta, GA

About the Role

The Unit Secretary functions under the direction of the Nurse Manager and Assistant Nurse Manager to facilitate the provision of safe, age-appropriate, and culturally aware patient care by performing clerical and receptionist functions. These include computer order entry, data retrieval, maintaining unit supplies, transporting supplies/equipment/patient medications, preparing and maintaining patient charts, providing customer service, and acting as the central communication source on the nursing unit.

Responsibilities

• Excellence in Customer Service:
  • Partners with healthcare team, patient, and family to protect patient rights and dignity.
  • Builds relationships with families and maintains confidentiality.
  • Participates in hourly patient rounding and resolves patient concerns.
  • Maintains paper and electronic medical records, including scanning documents.
  • Proactively offers assistance and comfort measures to patients and families.
  • Presents self professionally and shows sensitivity to others' needs.
• Patient-Centered Care:
  • Answers telephone calls and patient call lights, communicating needs to the healthcare team.
  • Facilitates patient admission, transfer, and discharge.
  • Tracks bed activity and notifies housekeeping of patient discharge.
  • Assists in unit flow management during code situations.
  • Requests patient escort when appropriate and facilitates direct admissions.
  • Monitors data entry for key patient safety information.
• Team Work:
  • Supports healthcare team initiatives and participates in interdisciplinary rounds as a scribe.
  • Performs charge reconciliation and notifies nurses of physician arrivals.
  • Completes audits, staffing reconciliation, and supply requisitions.
  • Orders durable medical equipment and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
  • Transports unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications, and equipment.
• Communication:
  • Uses effective written and oral communication with patients, staff, physicians, families, and visitors.
  • Places physician and ancillary consults and maintains computer/IT equipment.
  • Acts as a liaison between patients and diagnostic areas for test/procedure updates.
  • Maintains expertise in patient care documentation tools, including downtime procedures.
  • Communicates patient care concerns/emergencies to the RN.
  • Uses positive and respectful communication with all members of the healthcare team.
• Safety and Infection Control:
  • Provides a safe environment for unit operations and follows infection control policies.
  • Performs hand hygiene and keeps patient rooms/unit areas clean and clutter-free.
  • Reinforces universal precautions with patients and families.
  • Operates Xenex machines after patient discharge and performs environment of care rounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all Wellstar Health System policies and standards.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Less than 1 year of clinical experience in an acute care setting (preferred).
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers in patient care.
• Ability to multi-task and function in stressful/emergency situations.
• Strong detail orientation and computer skills, including electronic medical record entry.
• Basic medical terminology knowledge.

Schedule

Night shift.