Unit Secretary- Emergency Room

St. Josephs Medical Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director, the Unit Secretary provides administrative support for an assigned patient unit according to established policies and procedures. The role includes entering orders in HBO/HBOC, scheduling diagnostic tests and therapies, assembling and maintaining patient charts, answering telephone and intercom calls, providing routine approved information, and relaying calls and messages. In specified departments, the Unit Secretary interviews patients to obtain information needed to complete admission processes. The position supports patient care teams and unit operations while following hospital policies, protecting confidential health information, promoting patient safety, and providing customer-focused service. The schedule is a 12-hour night shift.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of work experience to support completing written forms, comprehending and communicating verbal and written instructions, and using math skills to order supplies and assemble patient records.
American Heart Association BLS certification is required.
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively and cordially with patients, families, and patient-care personnel and to explain hospital policies and procedures.
Analytical skills to maintain admission and transfer records and gather hospital statistics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an acute care facility is preferred.
Typing, computer knowledge, and general medical terminology are preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the hospital’s Spirit of Serving Standards in accordance with St. Joseph Hospital’s mission, vision, and values.
Follow HIPAA guidelines to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of protected health information.
Promote patient and Associate safety through proper identification, reporting, documentation, and prevention of medical errors.
Collaborate with the care team to arrange or assist with administrative and clinical patient needs.
Participate in educational and quality improvement activities, including orientation and training of new Associates.
Enter orders from patient records into HBOC and notify other Associates of orders requiring immediate attention.
Complete requisition forms and inform other departments of ordered diagnostic tests, meals, therapies, and other services.
Greet and direct patients and unit visitors; maintain customer-focused relationships with patients, families, and physicians.
Answer telephone calls, respond to routine inquiries, relay calls and messages, and notify appropriate persons.
Participate in measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions.
Coordinate with bed control regarding bed vacancies and patient placement information.
Recognize age-related, sensory, and cultural considerations and adjust interactions or care to reflect patient needs and preferences.
Assemble records for newly admitted patients and maintain current records by filing physician orders, test results, and other relevant documents.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and assemble records upon discharge, transfer, or death according to Medical Records Department procedures; route records to that department for processing.
Access other computer applications to support team members and continuum-of-care needs.
Maintain the STEMI logbook.
Maintain the transfer logbook.