Unit Secretary - Behavioral Health Services

ECU Health

About ECU Health Medical Center

ECU Health Medical Center, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the 974-bed flagship hospital for ECU Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation twice and provides acute and intermediate care, rehabilitation and outpatient health services to a 29-county region that is home to more than 1.4 million people.

Position Summary

The Unit Secretary provides a variety of clerical, customer service, computer and receptionist duties for clinical areas and is responsible for maintenance of a consistent patient medical record. Interdepartmental and intradepartmental communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services within the job role.

Monitors patients and patient care using a variety of clerical, computer and communication skills for maintenance of a
consistent medical record.

Monitors patient activity through the use of Healthspan icons.

Places selected orders; modifies incorrect orders as appropriate.

Coordinates manual orders, i.e. outside consultation.

Communicates with appropriate staff/other departments concerning patient's needs such as stat orders, new results, panic results, pended orders, unacknowledged orders, unsigned orders, medication expiring orders, consultation orders, patient therapies, etc.

Monitors patient and chart location.

Verifies unit census each midnight.

Assists with patient discharge process.

Notifies other departments of admissions, transfers and discharges as necessary.

Maintains paper chart forms; maintains admission/discharge packets/charts (i.e., DNR, Advance Directives, Consents).

Maintains downtime charts and checks downtime material supplies; assist with downtime report printing and label
printing.

Performs 24 hour chart checks, i.e. reviews all written orders and computer screens for accuracy and completeness.

Manages patient's charges by entering and monitoring.

Maintains confidentiality.
2. Performs receptionist and clerical duties.

Helps to maintain an orderly and professional environment at the nursing station.

Manages the Patient Unit by answering telephones; call lights.

Promotes customer service for patients, families, and visitors.

Directs visitors to appropriate patient rooms and waiting areas.

Advocates for patients and families regarding visitor hours and doctor/patient family conferences.

Works harmoniously with others.

Orders paper and office supplies based on PAR level.

Maintains care of copier and printers.
3. Participates in Quality Improvement (QI) Activities

Participates in problem solving resolution and identifies opportunities for improvement to change behavior.

Participates in data collection.
.
Employs safety practices, infection control, and fire and disaster regulations.

Participates in cost savings activities.
4. Participates in Education.

In collaboration with leadership, identifies own learning needs and participates in appropriate continuing education activities.

Fulfills annual mandatory educational requirements.

Orients new unit staff and students.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Graduation from 3 month community college Unit Secretary/Health Unit Coordinator course or at least 3 months employment in closely related position utilizing computer systems related to patient records in a hospital or hospital clinic setting.

Working knowledge of medical terminology.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with others in a team approach.
Ability to use good judgment in job performance.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude.

Preferred Requirements

1 year prior employment experience as a Unit Secretary in an acute hospital.

Prior experience with electronic medical records.

General Statement

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position.

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant's qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.