Unit Secretary - Monitoring Central Telemetry - Full Time

Christus Health•Beaumont, TX

30d

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. In critical care units, the Unit Secretary may also monitor the EKG waveform displays in a centralized telemetry monitoring station.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
Must possess good written and oral communication skills Basic typing and prior computer skills preferred.
One (1) year of experience preferred
EKG/arrhythmia interpretation background desired
Basic knowledge of medical terminology
Demonstrates required computer skills within one month of employment.
AHA BLS certification within two (2) weeks of employment
Successful completion of basic arrhythmia course for unlicensed personnel within one month or after first available course offered.

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.
Uses good judgment in prioritizing of physicians' orders for transcription.
Grieving Process: Allows for patient and family to express feelings.
Participates in the majority of prescribed in-service programs and departmental meetings. When unable to attend, 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.
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.
Will monitor and document changes in rhythm and will report these changes according to established protocol. Requires thorough knowledge of arrhythmia recognition.
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.
Consistently updates log to reflect admits, discharges, transfers, as well as calls to nurse's stations about monitoring problems.
Organizes nursing station and keeps unit adequately supplied.
Identifies all life threatening arrhythmias and reports same to nurse responsible for patient or to charge nurse.