Health Unit Coordinator

Department Overview

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) is part of the health care team and utilizes her/his knowledge and skills to support and enhance safety, patient experience, communications, and efficiency on nursing units. The HUC, under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse, performs general non-clinical duties and specific services necessary to expedite the efficient functioning of the nursing unit consistent with the philosophy, goals, policies and procedures in the nursing department and OHSU.

Function/Duties of Position

SAFETY & PATIENT EXPERIENCE - Act to promote a safe environment and Patient and Family Centered Care across the continuum to promote service excellence to foster exceptional experiences for our patients

• Greet and screen visitors

• Update whiteboards and call boards

• Maintain census in Epic

• Conduct safety/environment of care surveillance

• Label medication bins

• Post Fall Risk and Isolation signs

• Print wrist bands

• Manage telemetry boxes

• Facilitate patient and family experiences

• Orient to unit and visitor policies

• Assist with communications between patient/family and healthcare team members

• Provide way finding

• Activate MyChart (as requested)

• Answer and triage call lights

• Track patient belongings

• Make post-discharge follow-up appointments (as requested)

• Support patient and family centered care across the continuum through Service Excellence

COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS - Support operations necessary to meet the needs of the unit.

• Communicate in a respectful, caring and non-judgmental manner.

• Facilitate unit communications

• Answer phones

• Assist with paging

• Make nurse-call assignments

• Manage Vocera wireless communication devices

• Schedule VIP (hospital transport) requests

• Assemble/disassemble charts

• Report and track equipment requiring maintenance

• Order and stock office supplies

• Send/receive materials in P-tube

• Place Equipment Pool orders

• Reconcile Epic downtime entries (census)

• Fax written orders (as requested)

RESOURCE - Serve as a resource to the unit to expedite the efficient functioning of the unit.

• Request and track ITG/Facilities work orders

• Make staffing calls at direction of Charge Nurse or Manager

• Resolve printer malfunctions

• Print trip-tiks

• Maintain employee phone list (as requested)

• Create, print, and distribute flyers

• Deliver mail

• Other duties as assigned

Demonstrate performance consistent with Departmental, Divisional and Organizational expectations and core competencies

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information

• Prioritize HUC responsibilities and seek consultation when needed

• Perform area specific skills and follow established protocols

• Demonstrate fiscal accountability and the effective use of resources.

• Assume responsibility for professional / job related development, knowledge of advances in technology, use of new equipment and appropriate application of hospital systems; maintain knowledge base essential to the role of Health Unit Coordinator

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• One year of clerical experience in a health care environment or equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide knowledge and skills listed below.

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols.

• Ability to read, write and speak fluent English.

• Basic math skills.

• Demonstrated computer skills

• Demonstrated customer service skills

• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.

• National Health Unit Coordinator certification preferred

• Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous hospital or clerical experience

• Customer service related experience

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.