Health Unit Coordinator, Emergency Department, Full-Time, Second, AFSCME

UC Health•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) facilitates the efficient functioning of a patient care unit by performing receptionist and clerical/non-clinical support activities. The role requires knowledge of age-specific needs of the patient population and provides support for patient services under the supervision of nursing management. The HUC works collaboratively with the care team, communicates courteously and effectively with patients, visitors, and personnel, maintains confidentiality, and coordinates information and activities across departments. The role includes clerical support such as assembling and maintaining patient charts, processing admissions, discharges, deaths, and transfers through appropriate computer systems, coordinating tests and transportation, assisting with discharge coordination, and retrieving information for clinicians using EPIC and other clinical information systems. This is a full-time, second-shift position represented by AFSCME. UC Health describes itself as an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, with a commitment to inclusive, equitable, and diverse employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
One to two years of equivalent customer service experience.
Take initiative and work with minimal supervision as a self-starter.
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management.
Strong time-management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
Complete yearly mandatory unit-specific, hospital, and safety education.
BLS certification; candidates not certified at hire can receive training during orientation.

Nice To Haves

HUC education from a college or vocational school.
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Work effectively with the team or work group to complete daily unit tasks, proactively support team goals, and promote group cohesiveness.
Communicate clearly, courteously, and effectively verbally and through written and computer documentation while maintaining confidentiality.
Provide prompt, courteous communication to patients, visitors, and personnel.
Keep the Admitting office informed of patient activity through the Hospital information system.
Communicate with Environmental and Nutritional Services to help ensure appropriate activities occur.
Use computer access appropriately for laboratory, diagnostic, and other needs; contact the IS&T Help Desk when workstations or other devices malfunction or require repair.
Answer the intercom and telephone within UCMC standard timeframes and transmit information courteously to the appropriate recipient.
Use the appropriate paging or intercom system promptly to notify health care team members as requested.
Page the resuscitation team during cardiac arrests and remain available at the nurse station for further instructions.
Facilitate interdepartmental communication by delivering information, such as phone messages, to appropriate clinicians.
Provide clerical and non-clinical support for patient services under nursing management supervision.
Assemble patient charts with appropriate forms according to policy and provide additional forms as needed.
Prepare charts for patients scheduled for the operating room, special studies or therapies, transfer, or discharge.
Prepare, maintain, and file forms and reports in patient charts.
Coordinate with disciplines on STAT priorities, including medications, IVs, laboratory work, and test scheduling.
Process patient admissions, discharges, deaths, and transfers through appropriate computer systems; prepare laboratory labels and daily charge documents, register and disposition patients, process charges, and maintain unit logs where applicable.
Schedule and coordinate in-house transportation for patients to scheduled studies and therapies.
Assist with discharge coordination and ensure patient records are sent to the Medical Records department when processing discharges.
Remain present at clerical stations, arrange coverage for short absences, or notify the charge nurse of an absence.
Audit and follow up on missing medical record documents, including consents and advance directives.
Retrieve information for clinicians through EPIC and other clinical information systems.
Adhere to the dress code and complete annual competencies and required education.