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 US utilizes knowledge of the 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

Clerical Activities

• Accurately transcribes physician orders in a timely manner.
• Assures complete medical record goes to H.I.M. after patient discharge.
• Receives, documents and properly follows through with telephone inquiries.
• Files chart forms, duplicates medical records as needed, orders supplies & initiates follow-through with maintenance requests.
• Completes order requisitions.
• Completes all charges accurately for observation patients.

Customer Service

• All interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phones promptly, is courteous & helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.
• Responds promptly and pleasantly to all inquiries.
• Maintains a quiet work environment in the nursing station.
• As observed by management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other 'customers'.

Performance Improvement

• Is aware of and participates in the performance improvement activities of the unit.

Professional Conduct, Growth & Development

• Demonstrates initiative.
• Has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department on an as-needed basis.
• Follows the established hospital and department policies.
• Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.
• Participates in group projects and staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Communicates well with the supervisor, reporting problems with equipment, supplies or procedures.
• Requests assistance as appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities.
• Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently projects positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initial minutes.
• Completes assigned work within shift.
• Complies with time and attendance policy.
• Maintains a clean and neat work environment.
• Completes annual safety and ethics updates within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 75% of in-service programs.

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.