Unit Secretary/Nursing Tech - Progressive Care Unit

About the position

Presbyterian is seeking a Unit Secretary/Nurse Tech to perform secretarial/clerical duties while acting as a communication center for the nursing unit. This role involves performing specific patient care procedures (such as bedside testing) under the direction of a licensed Nurse and/or performing specific support-procedures for the operation of a Nursing or Clinical Department. The position also requires operating patient monitoring systems.

Responsibilities

• Performs phlebotomy and other collection procedures appropriately and according to established procedures.
• Processes requisitions and enters test orders into the computer system. Performs inquiry functions, specimen transport verification, and retrieves and prints collection labels.
• Receives, processes and/or stores specimens as appropriate, centrifuging, splitting, acidifying, aliquoting, measuring and stabilizing. Performs biohazard disposal as needed or appropriate.
• Performs waived and moderate complexity testing where there is documentation of successful completion of training and competency.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance and function checks including routine pipette calibration if required.
• Orders and maintains supplies and inventory.
• Insures compliance with all regulatory agencies.
• Assists clinical floor staff with stocking supplies, cleaning, patient transport and other tasks as necessary.
• Courteously greets and directs customers. Promotes/facilitates accurate and timely unit communication. Keeps locator boards current.
• Answers telephones and efficiently processes information, including accurately transcribing physicians orders.
• Communicates and processes necessary paperwork/information for patient admissions, transfers and discharges. Responsible for Medical Record being complete and in order at discharge.
• Maintains correct census and bed status report. Assembles patients charts and organizes them daily by filing pertinent reports and adding blank forms as needed.
• Maintains and accounts for office supplies for the unit. Assists in maintaining nursing units cleanliness and orderliness.
• Monitors, collects and records information in the patient record. Collects and records vital signs, weights, and other patient data. Transports patients and documents action in patient record.
• Participates in the nutritional well being of patients through tray delivery, assistance with patient set-up and feeding. Accurately records input and output.
• Assists with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene (shaving, mouth care, foot care, pericare and bathing), positioning and ambulation.
• Communicates information pertinent to the end of shift summation before leaving the unit.
• Rounds on patients and families frequently to assess and address personal needs, concerns or comfort related issues. Reports information to responsible nurse for resolution when necessary.
• Inserts and removes gastric and urethral tubes. Performs enemas and disimpactions.
• Removes peripheral, intravenous therapy lines. Performs phlebotomy on certain units after specific training.
• Operates patient monitoring systems specific to unit needs (such as, cardiac and fetal heart monitoring). Performs bedside testing such as Oximetry, ECG, Glucometery, urinalysis and other tests.
• Performs wound care and dressing changes. Removes staples and sutures. Assists nurses and physicians with sterile procedures. Assist with application and removal of restraints under the direction of an RN.
• Applies oxygen delivery devices as ordered without altering settings or determining rates. Assists patients with portable or wall oxygen, and assures proper storage of E cylinders.
• Documents all care provided in the appropriate place in the patient record. Assembles patient charts. Posts laboratory and other results in patient chart. Uses the computerized documentation system at the skill level commensurate with the responsibilities included in this description.
• Delivers specimens to Laboratory, Microbiology and Pathology. Transports x-rays, blood products and equipment.
• Insures cleanliness of nutrition areas and general unit. Cleans and stores equipment. Empties trash, linen bags and sharps containers. Stocks medical supplies, linens and paper goods. Inventories equipment as required. Processes broken equipment as directed. Maintains equipment logs as required.
• Performs other functions as required.

Requirements

• High School/GED
• Clinical experience OR completion of Unit Secretary course OR completion of self-study module preferred.
• Must successfully complete competency verification before starting on assigned unit
• BLS required at time of hire

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with EPIC electronic charting system

Benefits

• Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
• Strongline Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
• Shift differentials for nights and weekends
• Differentials for higher education, certifications and various lead roles
• Malpractice liability insurance
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
• Access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.