UNIT SECRETARY

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

12h

About The Position

Join UT Southwestern as a Unit Secretary and help with our commitment to enhance patient care and comfort. UT Southwestern focuses on a Relationship-Based Care nursing method that allows for a stronger connection between patients and our caregivers. This allows for a more individualized and appropriate type of care. At UT Southwestern, the possibilities to explore your interests and advance your nursing career are limitless. We would love the opportunity to have you join the UT Southwestern nursing health care team!

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent and no experience required.
Specialty areas may have increased certification requirements as dictated by unit or standard of care.

Nice To Haves

Health Unit Coordinator Certification (CHUC) preferred.
Hospital and/or acute care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains high level of service for both internal and external customers.
Answers phone and ensures patient requests are disseminated to nursing staff as appropriate. Communicates repeated patient requests to appropriate staff or Charge Nurse as necessary.
Accurately and promptly transcribes orders. Demonstrates working knowledge of medical terminology. Writes in legible handwriting appropriate forms with required dates, times and signatures. Coordinates scheduling of tests and procedures with appropriate departments in efficient and timely manner. Makes orders available for nurse review following initial transcription. Generates accurate computer entries based on orders transcribed, including essential information regarding patient (i.e., allergies, isolation precautions) and routes computer entries and paperwork.
Prioritize "stat" and "now" orders above routine orders. Communicates priority orders, incomplete orders, illegible orders or use of non-approved abbreviations to Charge Nurse in a timely manner.
Files reports and documents in appropriate areas of patient's medical record as established by policies. Places lab results on chart prior to physician rounds. Thins patient's charts by removing reports and documents in accordance with established policies. Stores "thinned records" in accordance with policy in unit-based files. Reviews medical records of discharged patients to ensure all reports and documents within record are stamped for designated patient and in order established by policy.
Keeps unit stocked with supplies including forms. Checks par levels and orders supplies. Stocks patient rooms, nursing station, and stocks ordered supplies. Checks any specialty trays/supplies, ensures no expired items. Coordinates repairs of equipment with BioMed as necessary; tracks items under repair.
Ensures correct bed status for patients, enters unit charges daily, return's any rental equipment. Makes runs to lab, pharmacy, or central supply as necessary.
Communicates appropriately with patients/families, physicians, and staff. Relays information to appropriate personnel in accurate and timely manner. Gives staff and charge nurse status reports on pending items. Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient's family issues appear to be unresolved.
Follows all established policies when performing all tasks.
Assumes accountability for all actions in the workplace. Reports errors promptly.
Orients new staff and students to work areas. Collaborates with other nursing staff and hospital employees to create an environment that is conducive to retention of qualified personnel. Utilizes downtime to assist others and/or to provide additional amenities to patients and/or patients' families.
Performs other duties as assigned.