Unit Secretary - Neonatal ICU - PRN - Shift and Schedule Varies

Work Shift/Schedule: Varies

About the Role

Provides clerical support for a nursing unit(s). Prepares and maintains records for the unit and serves as a facilitator for all communications. The unit secretary functions under the direction of the charge nurse. This position will communicate with patients in the adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Employee performs duties in accordance with population-specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or GED
• On-the-job training in practice and procedures of the hospital and medical terminology is provided

Preferred:

• Clerical or administrative experience

Skills

• Typing skills preferred but not required; basic computer competency required
• Demonstrated ability to work with other departments and the general public
• Good interpersonal skills and adaptable in changing situations and work assignments
• Must be able to concentrate during multiple interactions and interruptions

Responsibilities

• Answers the telephone according to procedure, utilizing effective communication skills and exemplary customer service skills. Screens and refers all calls to ensure accurate communication. Refers all calls to leave orders for patient care to licensed staff. Relays messages/requests accurately to the appropriate individual(s).
• Promptly answers patient intercom and responds by:
  • Directing patient’s request to appropriate staff.
  • Filling requests as defined by unit routine.
  • Following up with patient to ensure request was resolved.
• Notifies Dietary department of any changes to diet.
• Performs emergency procedures (i.e., CODE, fire, or disaster codes) according to policy.
• Ensures an adequate supply of assembled charts are ready for new admissions.
• Maintains patient’s chart by:
  • Thinning charts as needed.
  • Replenishing forms as needed.
  • Placing reports in appropriate chart location.
• Enters requests for needed supplies/services, places transport courier printouts in designated area (i.e., SPD, HIMs, blood pickup, ambulance services, etc.).
• Initiates the following actions to complete the paperwork when a patient is discharged:
  • Discharges the patient in the Epic system.
  • Completes housekeeping D/C sheets (on applicable units).
  • Ensures completeness of discharged patient’s chart before sending to HIMs.
• Makes recommendations to Unit Manager for purchase of new equipment or supplies as appropriate.
• Completes daily/weekly requisitions to accurately reflect the unit’s needs.
• Places supplies from storeroom in designated areas, as appropriate.
• Records refrigerator temperature daily on appropriate sheet.
• Notifies appropriate departments of needed repairs and follows through on requests.
• Maintains printers by changing toner, replenishing paper, and reporting problems to Information Systems Department.
• Exhibits flexibility in scheduling to meet department staffing needs.
• Completes unit-specific annual competency assessment requirements (Success Factors & annual competency checklist) within specified timelines.
• Supports performance improvement activities by participating in department monitors (data collection) and identifying in writing one PI suggestion annually.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time
• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time
• Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65% of time
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%
• Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%
• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding