Unit Secretary - Monitoring Central Telemetry - PRN

Christus Health•Beaumont, TX

52d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Unit Secretary performs the clerical functions necessary for proper functioning of a patient care unit in accordance with Nursing Department policies and procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred; certificate of completion from an approved course for Unit Secretary's preferred.
One (1) year Unit Secretary experience preferred, if there is no Unit Secretary certification. Six (6) months experience in a hospital preferred.
Demonstrates required computer skills within one month of employment.
Basic typing and prior computer skills preferred.
For telemetry and/or critical care, successful completion of basic dysrhythmia course for unlicensed personnel within one month or after first available course offered.
AHA BLS certification within two (2) weeks of employment

Responsibilities

Transcribes physician's orders from the chart to proper patient records accurately.
Monitors intercom system; gives reassurance to patients; notifies nursing staff immediately of needs.
Informs Charge Nurse of all pertinent information. Fosters positive physician relations.
Displays telephone courtesy, answers promptly. Relays messages accurately to appropriate personnel.
Informs patient/families of discharge procedure. Promptly removes patient from computer at time of discharge.
Responds appropriately in all code situations.
Uses supplies and equipment appropriately, records charges appropriately.
Manages inventory control with prevention of overstock while keeping adequate supplies necessary for effective unit function.
Participates in 80% of prescribed in-service programs and departmental meetings. When unable to attend (20% max), follows up to obtain information discussed.
Complies with timekeeping system. Prompt in reporting for duty. Accrues no unexcused absences, and no more than three unscheduled absences.
Follows hospital and/or unit policy for dress and personal hygiene.
Follows necessary safety precautions, hospital policies and departmental policies.
Completes infection control, safety, and other assigned education.
Follows hospital policies and/or departmental rules.
(Monitor Units) Rhythm strips are run at the beginning of each shift on all patients and as needed. Strips are delivered within thirty (30) minutes of run time.
(Monitor Units) Consistently updates log to reflect admits, discharges, transfers, as well as calls to nurses stations about monitoring problems.
(Monitor Units) Identifies all life threatening dysrhythmias and reports same to nurse responsible for patient or to charge nurse. (Note: A score of "0" for this behavior will result in termination.
Organizes nursing station and keeps unit adequately supplied.
Follows the CHRISTUS Health Guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI)
Associate timely completes all required educational assignments.
Follows instructions and completes assigned tasks for patient and department needs in a courteous and organized manner.
Uses good judgment in prioritizing of physicians' orders for transcription.
Grieving Process: Allows for patient and family to express feelings.