Unit Secretary Health Unit Coordinator Cardiac Intermediate Part time Evenings

Part-time position: two 8-hour shifts per week (3:00 PM – 11:30 PM) with rotating weekends.

About the role

CDH Cardiac Intermediate (3A) is a 26-bed cardiac step-down unit within Northwestern Medicine’s prestigious Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI). As part of BCVI, the unit delivers advanced cardiac care typically found only at major academic medical centers, but in a suburban setting. The Health Unit Coordinator serves as the liaison between patient-care units and all other patient-related departments, managing overall unit workflow in collaboration with the charge RN and/or assistant manager.

Responsibilities

• Present a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers; address questions and concerns promptly or direct to the appropriate resource.
• Assist patients and customers with directions and way-finding.
• Use effective service-recovery skills to resolve problems or service breakdowns.
• Demonstrate teamwork by assisting co-workers within and across departments.
• Communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions, and acknowledge contributions of others.
• Use organizational and unit resources efficiently; manage work schedule to complete tasks on time.
• Contribute to continuous-improvement opportunities and cost-reduction efforts.
• Coordinate all work with the Manager and Charge Nurse; communicate clearly with co-workers and physicians.
• Consult other departments to support an interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Retrieve lab results from the computer and bring them to the attention of the nurse caring for the patient.
• Interact professionally with patients and families, providing explanations and verbal reassurance as needed.
• Prepare medical records for new admissions; disassemble charts and forward to Medical Records upon discharge.
• Maintain proper record assembly in chronological order behind tabs; obtain necessary signatures and documents.
• Understand the Petition and Certificate process for Involuntary Admissions.
• Transcribe and clarify handwritten physician orders and clinical data accurately.
• Enter and verify orders in the computer to ensure timely delivery of medications, supplies, and diagnostic/therapeutic services.
• Seek learning opportunities; participate in professional growth activities and share knowledge with co-workers.
• Demonstrate computer competence for order entry, results, documentation, and policies.
• Operate equipment safely and correctly.
• Demonstrate flexibility, organization, and function effectively under stressful situations.
• Manage multiple high-level, time-sensitive tasks with confidence and success.
• Answer telephone, monitor unit closed-circuit camera, and manage intercom/door entry system politely.
• Utilize critical thinking to prioritize and complete unit work quickly as needs change.
• Monitor and reconcile patient type in the computer against actual status; make corrections when necessary.
• Perform pre-census and validate daily admission, discharge, and census lists.
• Register patients in the computer.
• Conduct telephone screenings (inquiry calls) to determine appropriate disposition.
• Observe patient confidentiality rules and Release of Information data.
• Order supplies and print all forms used for patient charts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assess situations requiring an interpreter and use interpreter services effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in a pertinent clinical specialty.

Benefits

Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits.