Health Unit Coordinator

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

1d

About The Position

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) supports and enhances safety, patient experience, communications, and efficiency on the Neuro ICU nursing unit. Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse, the HUC performs general non-clinical duties and services that help the unit function efficiently in accordance with the nursing department’s and OHSU’s philosophy, goals, policies, and procedures.

The Neuro ICU uses a multidisciplinary approach to care for patients who generally weigh at least 40 kg and are generally 16 years of age or older. Diagnoses include intracranial hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, status epilepticus, brain tumors, and neurosurgical conditions.

The HUC promotes a safe environment and patient- and family-centered care, supports unit operations and communications, and serves as a resource to help expedite the efficient functioning of the unit. The role also includes maintaining patient confidentiality, prioritizing responsibilities, following established protocols, using resources effectively, and maintaining job-related knowledge and skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
• One year of clerical experience in a healthcare environment, or equivalent experience and training.
• Fluent English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and basic math skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask.

Nice To Haves

• National Health Unit Coordinator certification.
• Previous hospital or clerical experience.
• Customer service-related experience.
• Previous ICU experience.
• Certified Nursing Assistant 2 certification.

Responsibilities

• Promote a safe environment and patient- and family-centered care to support service excellence and positive patient experiences.
• Greet and screen visitors; update whiteboards and call boards; maintain census in Epic; conduct safety and environment-of-care surveillance; label medication bins; post fall-risk and isolation signs; print wristbands; and manage telemetry boxes.
• Orient patients and families to unit and visitor policies, assist communication with healthcare team members, provide wayfinding, activate MyChart when requested, answer and triage call lights, track patient belongings, and make post-discharge follow-up appointments when requested.
• Answer phones, assist with paging, make nurse-call assignments, manage Vocera wireless communication devices, and schedule VIP hospital transport requests.
• Assemble and disassemble charts; report and track equipment requiring maintenance; order and stock office supplies; send and receive materials through the P-tube; place Equipment Pool orders; reconcile Epic downtime census entries; and fax written orders when requested.
• Request and track ITG and Facilities work orders; make staffing calls at the direction of the Charge Nurse or Manager; resolve printer malfunctions; print trip-tiks; maintain the employee phone list when requested; create, print, and distribute flyers; and deliver mail.
• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate performance consistent with departmental, divisional, and organizational expectations and core competencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of patient information; prioritize responsibilities and seek consultation when needed; perform area-specific skills and follow established protocols; and demonstrate fiscal accountability and effective use of resources.
• Take responsibility for professional and job-related development, stay informed about technology advances, use new equipment appropriately, and maintain knowledge essential to the HUC role.

What This Job Offers

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