Health Unit Coordinator

Bronson Healthcare Group•Battle Creek, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of Unit Leadership, the Health Unit Coordinator (Unit Clerk/Receptionist) performs clerical and receptionist functions for the unit. The role prepares and compiles nursing-unit records, coordinates communication systems such as phones, nurse call systems, and hospital information systems, relays information, maintains positive public relations, assists with supplies, equipment, and the unit environment, and performs other assigned duties. The coordinator helps manage patient flow, supports patient and family needs, and may transport patients and guests within the facility. Depending on the department, the role may also include patient-safety observation duties or, in OB Mother Baby/Antepartum, holding stable newborn infants under RN direction and supervision.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required for employees hired on or after June 1, 2017.
Ability to successfully complete the organization's competency requirements for English, writing, spelling, and reading comprehension.
Ability to successfully complete hospital orientation, core orientation, and unit-specific orientation.
Working knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to enter and retrieve data using the organization's computerized systems.
Organizational skills to maintain records and orderly filing systems and manage multiple processes simultaneously.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and all members of the care delivery team.
Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

Nice To Haves

One to three months of related experience and/or training preferred.
Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the flow of information throughout the unit or department for staff.
Answer telephone and nurse call systems; provide information and relay messages to patients, visitors, and medical staff.
Direct visitors to patient rooms or waiting areas and distribute mail, newspapers, and flowers to patients.
Compile patient census information, maintain records, and distribute information according to department procedures.
Coordinate with the charge nurse to support smooth and timely patient flow into, through, and out of the department.
Perform clerical duties and process equipment and staff requests related to department needs.
Record patient and attending physician details to prepare medical records for new patients, and maintain medical-record files for patients on the unit.
Monitor and requisition supplies designated by nursing staff; organize and store supplies according to department procedures and stock items to facilitate patient care.
Gather, enter, and retrieve information in computerized systems.
Transport patients and guests to locations within the facility as directed or needed.
Take admission paperwork to patient rooms and facilitate and complete Medicare/Important Message and other paperwork as directed by an RN.
Manage incoming tubes from the tube station and deliver medications or other items to the RN or medication cart, as applicable.
Work with transport staff to monitor elevator bays for beds and carts.
Assist in monitoring the Environment of Care and maintain a clean and orderly environment.
Attend to patient and family needs, including assigned tasks such as passing water or getting towels.
Maintain unsupervised access to unit medication rooms for stocking or retrieving supplies.
In OB Mother Baby/Antepartum only, hold and cuddle stable newborn infants under RN direction and supervision.
When assigned to the Patient Safety Assistant function, observe and help prevent unsafe patient behavior or activity; report patient status and relevant information to the responsible RN; occasionally accompany patients to diagnostic tests; and maintain a clean, orderly environment.
When assigned as a Patient Safety Assistant, assist with patient turns and transfers to a commode or bathroom, use proper body mechanics and safe patient-handling practices, and use personal protective equipment when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned by Unit Leadership.