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 the age-specific needs of the patient population and provides support for patient services under nursing management. The position is in the Emergency Department, is full-time, and is identified as Second shift and AFSCME. The HUC supports patient care through effective teamwork, communication, coordination, and clerical work. Responsibilities include communicating with patients, visitors, personnel, clinicians, and other departments; using hospital and clinical information systems; preparing and maintaining patient charts and records; coordinating patient movements, tests, therapies, and discharges; and completing required competencies and education. UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, it combines clinical care with research and teaching. UC Health states that it is committed to an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
One to two years of equivalent customer service experience.
Take initiative with minimal supervision and demonstrate self-starter behavior.
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management.
Strong time-management skills and 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

Health Unit Coordinator education from a college or vocational school preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

Responsibilities

Work effectively with the team or work group to accomplish daily unit tasks, support team goals, and foster 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 support appropriate activities.
Use computer access appropriately for laboratory, diagnostic, and other needs; contact the IS&T Help Desk when workstations or other devices malfunction or need repair.
Answer intercom calls and telephone calls within UCMC standard timeframes and direct information to the appropriate recipient.
Use the appropriate paging or intercom system in a timely manner to notify healthcare 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 passing information, including phone messages, to appropriate clinicians.
Provide clerical and non-clinical support for patient services under nursing management.
Assemble patient charts with the appropriate forms according to policy and provide additional forms as needed.
Prepare charts for patients scheduled for the operating room, special studies or therapies, transfers, or discharge.
Prepare, maintain, and file forms and reports in patient charts.
Collaborate with disciplines on STAT priorities, including medications, IVs, laboratory work, and test scheduling.
Process 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 as applicable.
Schedule and coordinate in-house transportation for patients attending scheduled studies and therapies.
Assist with coordinating discharges, process discharges appropriately, and ensure patient records are sent to Medical Records.
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, such as consents and advance directives.
Retrieve information for clinicians using EPIC and other clinical information systems.
Adhere to the dress code and complete annual competencies and required yearly unit-specific, hospital, and safety education.