Unit Secretary - Emergency Department

Brown Medicine•Cranston, RI

2d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of nurse managers and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Unit Secretary provides clerical support for patient care activities in the Emergency/Trauma Center. The role assists patients and families who are undergoing or awaiting treatment, contacts physicians, prepares treatment request forms, and operates an online computer terminal. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as well as its core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences; Patient and Community Focus; and Collaborate.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent level of knowledge.
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills to obtain and relay patient information, often under stressful conditions.
Knowledge of department procedures to evaluate and process them.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to operate online computer terminals.
Three to six months of responsible work experience, preferably involving patient contact and knowledge and application of medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with computers.

Responsibilities

Receive and direct communications, including calls from police, media, rescue drivers, physicians, and others; handle or reroute communications according to department policy and initiate related forms or records.
Communicate with patients and families about general department operations, request that patients return to the hospital, and provide or relay patient status as directed.
Contact private physicians, medical examiners, and others as required.
Receive and respond to physician and hospital personnel paging requests; operate telephone and radio beepers using established procedures and reference lists.
When requested, notify the appropriate security agency about emergency treatments resulting from assaults, gunshots, animal bites, accidents, and similar incidents, in accordance with state Department of Health regulations.
Greet patients in pediatric or walk-in clinics and direct them to treatment areas according to department guidelines.
Complete physician orders for diagnostic tests, treatment, or therapies and use the online terminal to access the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Use the Patient Managed Access System (PMAS) to enter, access, and update patient and hospital information, including orders, patient status, and medical records.
Maintain and update patient lists; record patients placed on the “danger” list and notify appropriate staff; update computerized records to maintain department operating statistics.
Ensure Emergency Department patient records are complete at discharge, including diagnoses and required signatures and authorizations; file charts according to procedure and copy and distribute charges to designated areas.
Support the quality assurance program by receiving, sorting, distributing, and filing X-rays, laboratory reports, other test results, and charts.
Perform other clerical duties as required, such as ordering supplies, preparing schedules, and reviewing records for studies.
Maintain knowledge of the Emergency Disaster Plan.
Route maintenance requests for the fax machine, copier, printers, and other office equipment.