Hospital Unit Secretary

Overview

Under the supervision of the RN assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by performing clerical and receptionist duties and maintaining the physical environment of the area.

Responsibilities

Coordinates unit functions to provide safe and smooth operations by adhering to cardiac monitor responsibilities: (a) Observation of cardiac monitoring status on all patients (b) For breaks and lunch, makes sure that the monitor station is attended by qualified staff (c) Notifies staff of alarms, changes in cardiac rhythm, and when there is a leads off alarm (d) Performs monitor count each shift to assure all monitors are present for area.

Accurately transcribes orders, assembles, maintains and disassembles medical record, answers     phones, intercoms and communicates messages.

Consistently performs basic duties by responding promptly to patient needs; performing hand hygiene; use of two patient identifiers, etc.     

Ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies.

Participates in economical utilization of supplies.

Ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.

Accurately documents according to policies and procedures.

Applies safety principles when performing duties.

Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.

Demonstrates working knowledge of order entry process and transcription of physician orders.

Maintains well organized, well-supplied, clean nursing unit.

Maintains logs as required by the unit Manager/Director.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Computer and/or computer software knowledge or experience.

Approved previous experience in clerical functions or completion of in-service education classes, high school education or equivalent.

Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

• Interpersonal Relationships: Includes contact with others, face to face, by telephone, fax, etc. Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff. Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff. MEDITECH software
• Physical Work Conditions: Long periods of sitting, occasional bending, twisting, reach arms above head. Walking short distances.
• Structural Job Characteristics: 12 hour shifts, up to 48 hours per week. The ability to see details at close range. The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Ability: 

• Must have ability to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting, standing or walking.
• Must have ability to move about at the nurses’ station, bend, twist, and to walk short distances.
• Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.

Activities:

• Answer telephone and call lights.
• Schedule appointments, fax documents.
• Computerized order entry
• Observe cardiac monitors
• Orient new unit secretaries

Requirements:

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

OTHER JOB FACTORS

In addition to the job duties listed on the job description, the employee will be expected to:

• Monitor VSB Sepsis tracker and immediately notifies RN of positive sepsis indicator.
• Watches the bed request board and assigns patient rooms for admissions in a timely manner.