Unit Secretary Emergency Department( Per Diem, Days 7a - 7:30p), Cherry Hill, NJ

About the Role

With a commitment to patient- and family-centered care, performs a variety of clerical duties, including data entry into the Hospital Information System to support unit operations. Assists in overall unit flow by supporting patients and medical staff through answering incoming calls, organizing information, and handling duties related to admission, transfer, and discharge of patients. Works collaboratively with unit-based clinical staff and other departments to coordinate off-unit testing and appointments. Supports unit leadership and supply chain to manage inventory needs. Maintains a professional and welcoming environment for all patients, families, visitors, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and staff consistent with Jefferson’s values, fostering an environment of belonging and inclusion through problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Engages with patients, their families, and designated care partners with compassion and respect for personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs.
• Minimizes risk of harm to patients and others by following established protocols and individual performance standards.
• Communicates with and supports the interprofessional team, patients, families, and care partners; maintains regular communication with the Charge Nurse to meet unit needs.
• Monitors the electronic patient bed system for admission/discharge bed-flow, assigns admissions, completes staffing assignments if needed, and requests patient transport as required.
• Collaborates with the Charge Nurse to ensure appropriate patient placement for the unit.
• Coordinates patient appointments and testing within the acute care setting, including transport arrangements; may coordinate discharge appointments.
• Performs clerical functions to support the department, including maintaining medical records to ensure complete and organized patient information.
• Organizes the work environment for effective and efficient department operations.
• Processes medical orders to facilitate the implementation of the medical regime for patient care.
• Performs other related duties and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
• Uses information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support ethical decision-making.
• Acts as an active responder during unit emergency codes: immediately calls the code to the emergency response dispatcher and assists the team in gathering equipment (e.g., EKG, glucometer, crash cart, suction, flushes).
• Troubleshoots equipment failures (e.g., patient TV, call bell wall unit, computers, printers) and attempts to reset before escalating to the appropriate repair team.
• Participates in Unit Committee meetings in addition to staff meetings.
• Monitors the tube station for incoming and outgoing items (e.g., medications, cardiac monitor strips) and dispenses them accordingly.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications include related secretarial and computer experience, as well as knowledge of medical terminology.
• Cultural awareness: ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and convey respect.
• Effective communication: understanding of communication concepts, tools, and techniques to transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs accurately.
• Patient- and family-centered practice: ability to collaborate respectfully with each patient, family, and/or designated care partner.
• Knowledge of medical terminology is highly recommended.

Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent.
• Data entry experience.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry 40-50 lbs (e.g., push/pull patients on a bed or stretcher requiring 29 lbs. push force, lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient’s weight).
• Frequent to continuous standing/walking (e.g., patient transporters may walk 8-10 miles per shift).
• May be required to perform activities specific to the role, including kneeling, bending, squatting, and performing CPR.

Pay

Hourly salary range: $17.00 to $29.70. The actual hiring rate will be determined based on candidate experience, skills, and qualifications. This position is not eligible for an annual incentive.

Schedule

Work Shift: Workday Day (United States of America)

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including:

• Medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plans.
• Tuition assistance and access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full-time service or two years of part-time service.
• Voluntary benefits providing access to group rates on insurance and discounts.
• All colleagues, including those working less than part-time (e.g., per diem, adjunct faculty, Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.