Health Unit Coordinator

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • DeKalb, IL

3d

About The Position

The Health Unit Coordinator reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and follows its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards. The role performs unit-based reception, clerical, medical record, and patient registration functions; serves as a liaison between patient care units and other patient-related departments; and manages unit workflow in coordination with the charge nurse and/or assistant manager. The coordinator must be customer-oriented, communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families, set priorities, and remain calm in emergency and stressful situations.

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.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a pertinent clinical specialty.

Responsibilities

• Present a friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers, address questions and concerns, and direct people to appropriate resources or locations.
• Use service recovery skills to resolve problems and service breakdowns.
• Demonstrate teamwork, communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions and disciplines, and coordinate work with the manager and charge nurse.
• Use organizational and unit resources efficiently, manage work schedules and assignments on time, and contribute to continuous improvement and cost-saving efforts.
• Consult other departments as appropriate to support an interdisciplinary approach to patient needs.
• 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 needed.
• Prepare medical records for new admissions, maintain records in chronological order behind tabs, obtain required signatures and documentation, and disassemble and forward charts to Medical Records upon discharge.
• Understand the Petition and Certificate process for involuntary admissions.
• Accurately transcribe and clarify handwritten orders, physician order sets, and clinical data.
• Enter and verify computer orders to support timely, accurate delivery of medications, supplies, and diagnostic or therapeutic tests and services.
• Pursue learning opportunities and professional development, and share knowledge from continuing education with coworkers.
• Use computers for order entry, results, documentation, and policies; operate equipment safely and correctly.
• Remain flexible and organized under stress and handle multiple high-level, time-sensitive tasks.
• Answer the telephone, 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.
• Compare patients’ computer-listed types with their actual status and make corrections when needed.
• Perform pre-census activities and validate daily admission, discharge, and census lists.
• Register patients in the computer and conduct telephone inquiry screenings to determine appropriate disposition.
• Protect patient confidentiality and follow Release of Information requirements.
• Order supplies and print forms used for patient charts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Lifecycle benefits
• A range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

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