UNIT CLERK

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

About The Position

The Unit Clerk supports patient care and the effective operation of a hospital unit by providing courteous service and communication to patients, families, visitors, physicians, and health care team members. The role handles calls and messages, assists with patient-care tasks, responds to the nurse call system, processes physician orders and other electronic health record functions, maintains patient records, and coordinates information among clinicians and departments. The Unit Clerk also assists the nurse manager with scheduling, payroll, education programs, and supplies; supports staffing coordination and quality improvement; and contributes to regulatory readiness, infection control, and patient safety. The position may involve rotating shifts, standby or on-call scheduling based on operational needs, and local travel between Independence Health locations. The role has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may coach and mentor others.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to follow directions from team members and work independently on assigned duties.
Strong organizational skills.
Proficient keyboarding skills.
Act 34 Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check.
Ability to work schedules based on operational needs, which may include rotating shifts, standby, or on-call.
Local travel between Independence Health locations may be expected.

Nice To Haves

Medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Welcome patients, families, visitors, physicians, and colleagues with courtesy and professionalism; advise physicians of assigned nurses and notify nurses when physician rounds are needed.
Operate the telephone, answer calls promptly, transfer and hold calls appropriately, and take and deliver thorough messages.
Support individual communication strategies, including use of patient white boards.
Assist with patient-care needs as directed, answer the nurse call system, direct caregivers, and make patient rounds as requested.
Review physician orders and enter communication and other orders in the electronic system, including orders and notifications related to supplies, diet, transfers, discharge, isolation, and patient precautions.
Retrieve laboratory specimen labels and requisitions, collect and report patient-care data, and maintain an organized, clean workspace and nurses’ station.
Submit maintenance work requests as necessary.
Assist physicians and other authorized providers with electronic medical record functions and placement of electronic diagnostic, nursing, and medication orders.
Assist the nurse manager with unit scheduling, payroll, educational program scheduling, and supply inventory and ordering.
Maintain complete electronic and paper patient charts while protecting the integrity of the electronic medical record.
Notify the RN promptly about stat orders, schedule post-discharge follow-up appointments, notify physician offices of consults, and act on communication orders.
Help maintain appropriate staffing by contacting replacement staff as needed; enter and update staff assignments accurately and promptly.
Participate in unit performance improvement activities, collect data as requested, and recommend improvements.
Use critical thinking and problem-solving, remain accountable, act as a resource and patient advocate, and mentor or precept new hires and students.
Help control organizational and departmental costs and maintain sufficient, appropriate unit supplies.
Support compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements; assist with survey readiness and follow infection-control precautions.
Promote patient safety, use two forms of patient identification before patient care, participate appropriately in code or mock-code situations, respond to emergencies, and help maintain a safe and clean environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.