Unit Secretary

Nevada Regional Medical Center•Nevada, MO

17d

About The Position

The Acute Care Unit Secretary supports safe, efficient unit operations through patient-flow coordination, accurate record management, communication, and administrative assistance. The role works collaboratively with registered nurses and other disciplines while upholding NRMC policies, confidentiality requirements, and the organization’s mission and objectives. The Unit Secretary helps coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges; maintains unit forms, supplies, and records; prepares discharged charts for Health Information Services; and keeps patient information accurate in electronic systems and unit communication tools. The position also supports billing, phone communication, appointment and service coordination, chart reviews, and other activities as assigned by the Acute Care Manager. The role requires professionalism, compassion, confidentiality, effective communication, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Working conditions may include exposure to distressed patients, families, or visitors; potential exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, and other healthcare hazards; frequent interruptions; and changing priorities. Physical demands include periods of standing, sitting, or walking; lifting up to 50 pounds; and bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, or assisting with unit operations. Direct patient-care duties, if applicable, are performed only by qualified personnel within established policies and competencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current BLS certification, or obtain certification within six months of hire.
Previous hospital, healthcare, medical office, or Unit Secretary experience.
Understanding of hospital and unit-specific policies and procedures.
Knowledge of medical terminology, physician documentation, basic anatomy, and the coding process.
Understanding of the responsibilities and limitations of the Unit Secretary role and when to seek assistance.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer, keyboarding, and electronic health record skills.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team and promote communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
Ability to locate and identify appropriate remedies to problems using established procedures and protocols.
Ability to provide courteous service, manage time and resources effectively, and contribute positively to the work environment.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for periods; lift up to 50 pounds; and bend, reach, push, pull, and assist with physical tasks associated with unit operations.

Nice To Haves

Current CNA certification or equivalent patient-care education, training, or experience that allows assistance with direct patient care within established scope and competencies.

Responsibilities

Follow professional standards of care and NRMC policies, procedures, and departmental practices.
Assist with processing patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Maintain adequate unit chart forms and readily available chart packets.
Remain calm and manage unit secretary duties appropriately during stressful situations.
Prepare discharged patient charts, check for missing information, and forward charts to Health Information Services.
Follow HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Respond to patient needs in a caring and compassionate manner.
Understand the billing process and complete billing accurately and promptly as necessary.
Handle incoming and outgoing phone calls promptly, accurately, and professionally.
Maintain supplies, forms, and materials and help keep the nursing station and work environment organized.
Accurately file loose documents in appropriate patient records each shift.
Maintain accurate patient information in applicable electronic systems, unit tracking tools, communication boards, and records.
Assist with electronic health record chart reviews to identify missing or incomplete documentation and contact appropriate personnel for follow-up as directed.
Assist with scheduling appointments, consultations, transportation, follow-up services, and other coordination as assigned.
Assist with activities and projects as directed by the Acute Care Manager.
Complete other duties as assigned.
Use established procedures and protocols to identify appropriate remedies to problems.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.
Support patient care and well-being using established practices and procedures, and respond to clinical and ethical concerns professionally within the scope of the role.
If qualified for direct patient care, demonstrate competency in assigned patient-care skills and follow safe patient-handling practices, using appropriate equipment and assistance.