Unit Secretary

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.

1. Coordinates clerical unit functions to provide safe and smooth operations by:
2. Adhering to cardiac monitor responsibilities:

• Observation of cardiac monitoring status on all patients.
• For breaks and lunch, makes sure that the monitor station is attended by qualified staff. 
• Validates cardiac alarms have been assigned to caregivers at the beginning of each shift.
• Notifies staff of alarms, changes in cardiac rhythm, and when there is a leads off alarm.
• Validates the monitoring status (rhythm present on sector, status of stand-by, etc.) of each patient at least every 2 hours, at change of shift and during hand-off communication for breaks and lunch.
• Documents validation on the appropriate form.      
• Performs monitor count each shift to assure all monitors are present, as appropriate for area.
• Accurately transcribing of orders, assembling, maintaining and disassembling of medical record.
• Answering phones, intercoms and communicating messages.
• Rounds each shift on all patients to confirm appropriate placement of care reminders (hard of hearing,   
• fall precautions, etc.)
• Performs timely patient discharge notifications.
• Rounds at pre-defined intervals to conduct census verification.
• Confirms emergency preparedness by checking emergency telephones daily and content of emergency boxes periodically.

3. Consistently performs basic duties by responding promptly to patient needs; performing hand hygiene; use of two patient identifiers, etc. 
4. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.
5. Accurately documents according to policies and procedures.
6. Applies safety principles when performing duties.
7. 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.
8. Demonstrates working knowledge of order entry process and transcription of physician orders.
9. Maintains well organized, well-supplied, clean nursing unit.
10. Maintains statistics/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.

High school diploma or GED required.  Must have basic mathematics and computer skills to support clinical care, the use of electronic medical record, e-mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Prior secretarial experience preferred. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

WORK CONTEXT

• Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion
• Dealing with unpleasant or verbally aggressive personalities
• Must be able to deal with conflict
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately
• Must be able to receive delegation
• Must be able to work in groups
• Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work
• Must be meet time pressure and time lines
• Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner
• Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting
• Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions
• Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• 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 tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift
• Must be able to run in an emergency
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
• Must possess stamina to work prolonged shift
• Physical presence onsite is essential