Health Unit Coordinator Emergency Department Full Time Nights

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Huntley, IL

4d • $17 - $26

About The Position

The Health Unit Coordinator supports the Emergency Department by performing unit-based reception, clerical, medical record, and patient registration functions. The role manages unit workflow in coordination with the charge RN and/or assistant manager, serves as a liaison between patient care units and other patient-related departments, and provides professional, customer-oriented communication to patients, families, staff, and physicians. The coordinator must prioritize changing needs and handle emergency and stressful situations calmly while completing multiple time-sensitive tasks accurately. The position is full-time, works 12-hour night shifts, and offers hourly compensation of $17.05 to $25.58.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assess when an interpreter is needed and use interpreter services effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks in stressful or changing situations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous Health Unit Coordinator experience or previous hospital experience.
• One year of experience in a pertinent clinical specialty.

Responsibilities

• Present a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers; respond promptly to questions and concerns or connect people with appropriate resources.
• Give patients and customers directions and assistance finding their way, and use service recovery skills to address problems or service breakdowns.
• Demonstrate teamwork, communicate effectively with colleagues across departments, respect diverse opinions and disciplines, and use organizational resources efficiently.
• Manage schedules, complete assignments on time, and contribute to continuous improvement, cost reduction, and streamlined processes.
• Coordinate work with the Manager and Charge Nurse; communicate clearly with managers, charge nurses, coworkers, and physicians, and consult other departments to support interdisciplinary patient care.
• Retrieve laboratory results from the computer and bring them to the attention of the nurse caring for the patient.
• Interact professionally with patients and families and provide explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary.
• Prepare medical records for new admissions; disassemble and forward charts to Medical Records upon discharge; maintain records in chronological order behind the appropriate tabs; and obtain required signatures and documents.
• Understand the Petition and Certificate process for involuntary admissions.
• Transcribe orders and clinical data accurately, clarify handwritten or set physician orders, and enter and verify computer orders for timely and accurate delivery of medications, supplies, and diagnostic or therapeutic services.
• Develop professionally, seek learning opportunities, and share knowledge from continuing education with coworkers.
• Use computer systems for order entry, results, documentation, and policies; operate equipment safely and correctly.
• Answer telephones, monitor the unit closed-circuit camera and intercom/door-entry system, and relay information appropriately.
• Prioritize and complete unit work as the needs of the unit, patients, and staff change; monitor patient type in the computer against actual status and correct discrepancies.
• Perform pre-census and validate daily admission, discharge, and census lists; register patients in the computer.
• Conduct telephone screenings and inquiry calls to reach an appropriate disposition while observing patient confidentiality and release-of-information requirements.
• Order supplies and print forms used for patient charts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching; additional benefits are described on the employer's benefits website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED