Secretary, Unit

Overview

The Unit Secretary, reporting to the Nursing Unit Director, with assignment and direction from the Charge Nurse or Registered Nurse, is responsible for assisting in the planning, implementing and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by performance of clerical/ receptionist &/or Cardiac Monitoring duties. This position is responsible for maintaining the physical environment of the nursing unit. The US supports the hospital mission and vision with emphasis on customer relations. The MT/US utilizes knowledge of patient's age, spiritual and cultural diversity into unit communication & organization. The US is a non-licensed position whose training & skills enables him/her to interpret basic cardiac rhythms, recognize & alert the RN to significant rhythm changes or common dysrhythmias. The position contributes to the provision of safety and quality care that result in positive outcomes in patient care.

Responsibilities

Provides Clerical/Clinical Functions

• Receives and transcribes physician orders and provides proper follow through with ancillary departments.

• Reviews all charts for completeness of information and assembles charts in appropriate format.

• Maintains x-ray and lab report files daily.

• Maintains patients' charges daily. Assists in follow up on charge recapture.

• Assists with completion of ER charge sheets.

• Maintains supplies and working area. Orders supplies from Central Supply.

• Performs EKGs after hours.

Supports and Maintains a Clean, Safe and Orderly Environment

• Helps maintain equipment in working order, requesting repairs/replacement when necessary.

• Assists EVS in maintaining a clean and orderly nursing unit.

Demonstrates and Promotes Appropriate Communication with Health Care Members and Others

• Greets and guides visitors and families of patients.

• Assists families and visitors with their questions.

• Accepts and relays messages.

• Communicates in a manner that projects patience and understanding in stressful situations.

• Demonstrates effective listening skills.

• Facilitates the smooth flow of work by effectively handling all necessary communications in a timely manner to ensure accurate and complete dissemination of information.

• Answers the telephone promptly by identifying self and the area, speaking clearly and repeating information and relays appropriate messages or necessary data to the designated person.

• Offers assistance to the caller by triaging the call appropriately.

• Maintains patient and medical record confidentiality.

• Assists in the orientation of all new nursing staff by sharing knowledge, experiences and verbal encouragement.

• Expresses and accepts constructive feedback, with a focus on positive outcomes.

• Maintains a quiet, therapeutic environment in the immediate patient care areas, including nursing stations.

Professional Conduct

• Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the hospital on an as-needed basis or as determined by management.

• Requires minimal direction concerning unit activities.

• Anticipates problems.needs and initiates corrective action.

• Keeps informed of activities and new developments throughout the department and the hospital.

• Attends unit staff meetings.

• Demonstrates respect for co-workers and peers. Exhibits thoughtfulness, awareness of others' feelings and interest in their needs. Supports staff in difficult situation. Encourages tow-way communication.

• Reports on duty punctually and returns from breaks on time.

• Completes timecard according to policy and procedure.

• Does not exceed sick time allowance as established by hospital policy. Maintains professional attire, including visible ID.

• Complies with all safety and infection control standards.

• Completes annual safety update.

Performance Improvement

• Consistently stives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other "customers". Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management's attention with suggestions for improvement. Demonstrates, by participation, knowledge of the QI process as well as the unit-specific QI plan. Attends unit QUI meetings. Has input into quality issues. Collects data pertinent to those quality issues. Identifies and implements methods of controlling costs. Maximizes efficiency in al departmental operations. Measures progress against quality goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: High School graduate or equivalent.

• Minimum Experience: One year in acute care setting preferred.

• Required Certification/Registration: BLS; Completion of medical terminology course preferred.