Unit Secretary - Telemetry

About the role

The Unit Secretary (Health Unit Coordinator) is responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment, performing non-clinical nursing tasks, clerical and receptionist duties for a nursing unit. Access to demographic information and limited Patient Health Information related to job function.

Responsibilities

• Understand the Trauma patient policy of having a number instead of a name, helping to ensure patient safety.
• Obtains information and interpret information in terms of the patient’s needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development.
• Understands the range of treatment needed as appropriate to the ages of the patients served.
• Maintains confidentiality of the patient.
• Communicates consistently with Clinical Manager and Bed Control in a pleasant and calm manner.
• Performs receptionist duties, answers phones and nurse call system, takes messages, greets and directs visitors and other hospital personnel.
• Consistently answers questions and directs visitors and the patients’ family members in a courteous manner.
• Consistently assists physicians and other hospital personnel with locating patients, charts, and answering questions at the time of request.
• Consistently follows appropriate lines of authority when communicating information and/or screening calls (according to unit guidelines).
• Consistently answers in-coming telephone calls within four rings: Responds to caller’s needs or refers telephone calls to appropriate person/department.
• Consistently assembles patient’s record within 30 minutes of transfer.
• Maintains current and previous records according to unit policies/procedures.
• Consistently keeps medical records in designated area.
• Obtains chart copies for transfer to another facility before discharge.
• Consistently maintains the integrity of the discharge chart for medical records.
• Consistently enters orders correctly into the CERNER System in a timely manner.
• Consistently follows appropriate CERNER downtime procedures (hard copy).
• Consistently signs, times and dates all transcribed orders as required.
• Consistently notifies nurse caring for patient of any STAT orders when written.
• At time of admission and on-going, documents allergies on medication administration record, physician order sheet, front of chart and kardex, and inputs info on the PMI screen.
• Maintains kardexes and to ensure complete and accurate.
• Aids the RN in clarifying illegible or confusing orders information in order to facilitate patient follow-up.
• Show evidence of input into unit effectiveness; attends all staff meetings, and/or reads and signs 100% of staff meeting minutes. (Unable to exceed standards).
• Participates in unit quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Gives end of shift report regarding pending issues to oncoming HUC or appropriate staff person.
• Uses all functions of computer system: transfer, discharge census sheets, reports, print functions, etc.
• Consistently keeps patient computer screen updated.
• Obtains preliminary reports as needed.
• Transports needed items to/from lab, pharmacy, or other departments as needed.
• Obtains emergency equipment as needed.
• Completes other non-direct patient care duties as directed.
• Consistently checks pre-established unit inventory and orders needed supplies.
• Takes responsibility in utilizing and directing volunteers.
• Consistently follows Infection Control Policies including proper handling of specimens and hand washing.
• Consistently assists in providing a safe environment by following all fire and safety precautions.
• Reports, documents, and takes appropriate action (by the end of the shift) for incidents or quality issues that may affect the patient’s or staff’s well-being.
• Assists in completing emergency forms, i.e., Fire Alarm Drill Log.
• Consistently reports broken equipment and/or needs for repairs and tags equipment appropriately.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Able to understand complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergencies.
• Comprehensive general clerical skills required.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills towards all clients.
• Must be able to write legibly.
• Demands require working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and remaining calm under stress.
• Must demonstrate teamwork in a pleasant manner.
• Job requires sitting, standing, walking and lifting minimum of 35 pounds.
• Possesses audible acuity necessary for answering phones, normal conversation and patient safety.
• Possesses visual acuity necessary for reading charts and other communication.
• Preferred: Health Unit Coordinator certification desired.
• Prior unit secretary training or health care experience preferred.
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certification (maintain current at all times).