Unit Secretary - Med/Surg, Weekends

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurately transcribes all physician orders, including medications, radiology, and lab orders as requested by the nursing staff. Ensures a nurse validates all orders and notes same according to established procedure.
• Prepares admission packages for new patients and discharge records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepares pre-op records according to established standards.
• Correctly adds forms to all records as needed (i.e. Doctors' orders, progress notes).
• Maintains and updates census sheets and diet sheets.
• Makes necessary changes on diet and census forms as needed.
• Promptly answers patient call light.
• Assists in arranging patient transports via charter, Coast Guard, or BMF as requested.
• Schedules in-patient and out-patient procedures such as OR, SDC, ER, NST, and Out-patient Peripheral Therapy.
• Works with volunteers, providing instruction and or training for answering telephones, patient call lights, and preparation of forms and patient chart packets as needed.
• Retrieves old patient records from the Medical Records Department.
• Takes specimens to laboratory as needed.
• Communicates applicable information with all departments regularly.
• Maintains and updates filing system at Nurse's station.
• Prioritizes tasks appropriately.
• Works under little or no supervision.
• Keeps Nurse's station clean, neat, and orderly.
• Relays to charge nurse complaints from patients, visitors, or physicians.
• Participates in the department's Performance Improvement activities as requested.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new employees and/or volunteers.
• Has a working knowledge of how to obtain supplies when needed (i.e., IV's, slings, etc.)
• Seeks constructive criticism and has the ability to evaluate suggestions and criticism objectively.
• Interprets and articulates policies and procedures appropriately.
• Reports appropriate information to the Charge Nurse, Manager or Supervisor.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services based on physical, mental, and emotional needs appropriate to the age of the patient.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Skills:

• Must be able to demonstrate adequate technical skills and judgment to function unsupervised during on-call, second shift, and weekend hours.

Ability to:

• Ability to tactfully communicate with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle stress and work in emergency situations.
• Ability to use of fingers and hands to operate all department-related equipment as described on the Department checklist. Additionally, must radio, telephone, calculator, fax, and other related office equipment.
• Ability to frequently bend, using back and knees.
• Ability to lift objects from five to fifty pounds and moving of patients via wheelchair or stretcher.
• Ability to frequently stand and walk is required. Minimal crawling required.
• Ability to bend, twist, crouch, squat, pull, push, reach, and remain stationary for short period of times and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to use hands, fingers, arms and wrists, hearing, smell, and verbal skills are required in order to perform job duties.

Credentials and Experience Required

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Six months prior experience preferred.

Special Requirements

• May work evening, days, holiday, and fill-in for vacationing Day/Eve Unit Secretary.
• May be exposed to temperature fluctuations, moderate noise levels, minimal dust, infectious diseases and other chemicals as customarily used in a hospital setting. Exposure to various hazards in handling patient transports.
• Must be available to work in the case of a declared hospital emergency.