Unit Clerk - Med/Surg - Nights

Fitzgibbon Hospital•Marshall, MO

11h

About The Position

Fitzgibbon Hospital is seeking a self-driven, compassionate Unit Clerk for its Med/Surg department. The role supports nursing and patient care operations by accurately transcribing and entering physicians’ orders, maintaining patient records, coordinating tests and appointments, communicating information among staff and departments, and handling unit clerical tasks. The position is full-time, with 72 hours every two weeks on a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. night schedule.

Requirements

Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to accurately interpret handwriting and seek clarification when uncertain.
Accurate spelling, good penmanship, and neatness.
Ability to use the computer system for accurate order entry.
Knowledge of the phone system, including speed dialing, conference calls, placing callers on hold, and transferring calls.
Knowledge of the patient call system and ability to communicate patient needs to nursing staff.

Responsibilities

Transcribe and document physicians’ orders promptly, accurately, and completely, prioritizing STAT and NOW orders.
Interpret medical terminology and handwriting, seek clarification when needed, and maintain accurate spelling and neat documentation.
Assemble and maintain patient medical records, including identification labels, allergy information, physician order sheets, and filed reports and MARs.
Enter daily laboratory tests and other orders in the computer, and maintain lists of timed laboratory draws, admissions, and discharges.
Follow procedures for calling STAT laboratory tests, x-rays, EKGs, and Code Blue notifications.
Notify physicians of consults and schedule post-discharge tests, appointments, and diagnostic procedures as requested.
Coordinate with other departments to schedule tests and communicate patient and department needs.
Provide nursing staff with requested forms and assist the RN in checking pre-operative records.
Communicate patient information and messages to support continuity of care; notify the appropriate staff about admissions, discharges, STAT and NOW orders, and patient needs.
Maintain awareness of department activities and keep the Clinical Care Coordinator and/or Nurse Manager informed of potential problems.
Verify patient admissions, transfers, and discharges in the computer and assist with transfers by ensuring records, labels, and medications accompany the patient.
Obtain release-of-information forms for documents sent to or received from other institutions, as directed.
Order supplies from Central Supply and Materials Management and maintain adequate inventory.
Transport specimens to the laboratory when requested and maintain department log books.
Use the computer, phone, and patient call systems effectively, including order entry, speed dialing, conference calls, call transfers, and communicating patient requests to nursing staff.
Report to the oncoming unit secretary before leaving the work area.
Perform other duties according to department standards and stay current on patient care, department, and system information and processes.
Participate in unit council, participate in QIT as requested, and attend unit staff meetings.
Comply with administrative standards concerning attendance, absenteeism, and the quality and quantity of work.