Unit Secretary- ICU

About the Role

Position responsible for answering and responding to patient call lights/requests promptly, performing all secretarial duties, and maintaining a professional environment within the nursing unit.

Responsibilities

• Answers and responds to patient call lights/requests promptly by informing appropriate staff member of patient's request and ensuring effective resolution.
• Answers telephone before third ring and relays message to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Performs all secretarial duties in a timeframe consistent with hospital policies and within time allotted, including:
  • Maintains and uses appropriate records
  • Maintains admission and discharge sheet
  • Maintains transport log
  • Maintains assignment sheet
  • Enters patient information accurately into computer in a timely manner
  • Maintains Physician call log
• Maintains professionalism in greeting and directing visitors; efficiently handling all deliveries and providing information in a competent manner.
• Operates all equipment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and/or hospital policy and procedure and assures timely communication of needed repairs to the appropriate department.
• Keeps Nurse Manager/Team Leader and/or Charge Nurse updated regarding unit issues in a timely manner.
• Performs newly assigned duties upon completion of training and cooperates in floating while demonstrating positive attitude.
• Submits ideas for improvements or changes needed to improve department operation.
• Willingly participates in cross training in order to increase job knowledge and skills.
• Assists in orientation of new nursing personnel as assigned by charge nurse, team leader or unit director.
• Performs effectively during crisis or emergency situations by:
  • Maintains availability
  • Responds to stat and emergency requests and orders
  • Removes unnecessary equipment and items obstructing patient access
  • Demonstrates initiative in monitoring other patients and visitors during emergency situations
• Prepares chart and kardex on each patient admitted to the nursing unit, including patient labeling of all chart materials, accurately inputting nursing orders into the computer system.
• Keeps chart materials along with associated tabs in order at all times, adding necessary forms with patient's name and medical record number as needed.
• Transcribes physician orders under the supervision of a Registered Nurse alerting the charge/primary nurse to all stat orders or illegible writing and do not use abbreviations.
• Pulls copies of new orders promptly and scans to pharmacy copy to the pharmacy and the nursing copy to the assigned nurse assuring that patient label is on all copies.
• Files printed patient records on chart in a timely manner.
• Completes all non-computerized forms and requisitions legibly (cytology, blood bank, dietary, etc).
• Maintains par levels of forms, materials, and supplies. Evaluates adequacy of supplies. Maintains equipment inventory. Maintains a supply of prescription pads at all times. Follows through on back ordered items. Discards old forms presently not in use.
• Promotes a professional environment by:
  • Avoiding social conversation at front desk
  • Maintains appropriate demeanor at all times
  • Consistently demonstrates etiquette: greets the caller, states the department name, states their own name, asks "How may I help you?", offers the option to the caller to hold or be called back, ends the call with "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
  • Refrain from personal phone calls (unless emergency situation occurs)
• Maintains clean, safe and functional working environment in the nursing unit:
  • Minimizes clutter regularly
  • Maintains equipment and chart backs
  • Initiates call for service/repair as necessary and informs Nurse Manager
  • Troubleshoots problems with computer
  • Maintains log for temperature, humidity, refrigerator, eyewash station and fluid/blanket warmers
  • Maintains updated staff directory
• Able to print case cards, resource maps from MHS system and added emergency cases.
• Print accurate on-call schedules.

Qualifications

• High School or GED equivalent plus medical terminology preferred.
• 1-2 years experience, preferably within healthcare.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Healthcare spending accounts
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness program
• On-site housing for select positions and more!