Unit Secretary Medical and Surgical 2W

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide assistance in completing a variety of clerical, messenger and receptionist duties under the general supervision of the Unit Director/Manager, Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Supervisor or Charge Nurse. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High school graduate.

Experience:

1. Previous secretarial experience desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Knowledge of medical terminology and computer skills desirable.
2. Proficiency in spelling and accurate attention to details.
3. Exhibits communication and verbal skills.
4. Maintains composure in dealing with a variety of personalities and a sometimes high pressure environment.
5. Relates to staff, physicians, patients/family, visitors, outside agency personnel.

License/Certification/Registration:

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Unit Director/Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Charge Nurse, and Clinical Coordinator.  Performs work assignments where standard practice enables the employee to proceed alone on routine work referring questionable cases to supervisor.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs clerical and receptionist duties to facilitate the flow of written and verbal communication among nurses, physicians, other Medical Center departments, patients and visitors.
   1. Transcribes physicians' orders accurately.
   2. Informs nurse in charge of physicians' orders which require immediate attention, such as stat orders or laboratory reports.
   3. Answers telephone and relays messages in a timely manner by referring calls, paging, and placing appropriate calls.
   4. Notifies physicians of referrals by phone and in writing.
   5. Assists physicians in obtaining reports, charts and notifying them of needed communications related to orders.
   6. Completes charts and forms for patient discharge or transfer.
   7. Submits charges appropriately.
   8. Copies patient charts and other information as directed.
   9. Checks diets on computer before each meal and update as necessary.
   10. Prepares charts for new admissions.
   11. Charts vital signs and weights.
   12. Places laboratory, x-ray, and other reports on charts after they have been checked by Clinical Supervisor/Charge Nurse.
   13. Maintains patients’ charts with forms as needed and replace desk supplies.
   14. Orders supplies and stocks.
   15. Assists in orienting new unit secretaries.
   16. Computers order entry.
   17. Checks to make sure all orders entered have been verified at the end of the shift.
   18. Examines charts for completeness and inform nurses of deficiencies.
2. Contributes to patient care by performing activities as directed by the Clinical Supervisor/Charge Nurse.
   1. Prepares for new admissions.
      1. Completes Kardex and name tag for bed.
      2. Places diet order as soon as available.
      3. Calls Environmental Services when necessary to prepare room.
      4. Provides patient with fresh water unless otherwise ordered.
3. Assists in maintaining an orderly work environment.
   1. Assists in keeping nurses' station and supplies neat and orderly.
   2. Cleans chart holders as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.