Unit Secretary in Gastrointestinal Department

American Addiction Centers•Libertyville, IL

3d•$21 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Secretary in the Gastrointestinal Department assists the RN with daily patient care, including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, and ambulation. They are responsible for measuring and documenting vital signs, intake and output, and daily weights, accurately recording all information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). This role participates in patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, ensuring patient call lights are accessible and promptly answered. The Unit Secretary performs purposeful rounding, communicates observations to the RN, and handles patient positioning and transporting duties. They also assist with nutritional needs, skin integrity, and specimen collection. Additionally, this role coordinates tests and treatments, maintains knowledge of departmental functions, and manages the EHR system for ordering supplies. They process daily patient charges, facilitate communication via telephone and paging systems, and maintain department office equipment. Compiling chart forms, obtaining medical record copies for transfers, and verifying patient information are also key responsibilities. The position requires establishing positive customer relations and fostering a harmonious work environment, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and adapting to changing priorities. The role must demonstrate knowledge of age-specific care needs.

Requirements

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 45 days, and Nurse Aide in good standing as indicated with the State Registry in which the team member practices.
Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), or High School Graduate.
None. (Experience Required)
Basic computer skills.
Excellent oral and written communications.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to interruptions and changing priorities/workloads.
High level of attention to detail essential.
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift.
Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
Must be able to: lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
Must be able to: carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
Must be able to: perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
Will be required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
Must have functional vision and hearing.
Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids on a continuous basis; therefore, protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Responsibilities

Assists RN with daily care of patients including bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, activity orders and ambulation which may include use of therapeutic assistive devices, proper positioning, range of motion and special transferring as indicated.
Measures and documents blood pressures, TPRs (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration), I & O (Intake and Output), daily weights, and other patient data as requested.
Documents accurately in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
Participates in admission, transfer and discharge process under supervision of RN including room set up, orientation to room, removing linen, and proper management of patient belongings.
Ensures patient call light is always in reach of patient and answers call-lights promptly.
Performs purposeful rounding under direction of RN and promptly communicates observations, concerns, and needs of patient/family to RN. Documents appropriately.
Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties which require lifting and pushing/pulling while utilizing proper technique and assistive devices.
Performs tasks related to nutritional needs of the patient under direction of RN to include diet review, tray set up/removal, proper positioning and diet selection.
Performs tasks related to maintaining skin integrity to include proper repositioning and skin care.
Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose and sequential compression devices.
Collects urine, stool, and sputum specimens and performs point-of-care testing as indicated using approved process for accurate specimen labeling and identification.
Maintains competency as required.
Under direction of RN and as determined by site/unit requirements, may be required to remove IVs, provide post mortem care and perform bladder scans.
Practices within policies and procedures of infection prevention by demonstrating hand hygiene and knowledge of sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation.
Coordinates tests and treatments with and between various departments for patients on nursing units.
Maintains a working knowledge of functions and services offered by all diagnostic and treatment departments to facilitate the scheduling of tests and treatments.
Maintains working knowledge of EHR system and other computer systems for ordering patient and unit supplies and equipment.
Processes daily patient charges and/or related procedures through the system.
Facilitates communications required to support patient care, including the multiple-line telephone, unit/site paging and the hospital information system.
Screens incoming telephone calls.
Monitors department office equipment and troubleshoots minor problems. Arranges repair of major malfunctions.
Compiles necessary chart forms for admissions, transfers, discharges and expirations.
Obtains appropriate copies of medical records for transfers to nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Verifies medical records contain complete and accurate patient demographic information, patient identification and registration in the medical record, including appropriate level of care.
Establishes and maintains positive customer relations and contributes to a harmonious work environment.
Quickly and courteously acknowledges requests, responds to call lights, demonstrates proper phone etiquette and fosters communication between the health care team.
Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Benefits

Compensation Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program