Clerk, Ward

Overview

Reports to the Nursing Operations Manager and works on nursing units to perform clerical and receptionist duties related to the day-to-day operations of the nursing units. Responsible for the coordination of unit activities such as admissions, discharges; patient transfers; unit and patient supplies and equipment. Assist in the coordination of patient flow and coordination of nursing under the Nurse Manager of the designated unit.

Responsibilities

• Documents patients leaving the unit for test, procedures and transfers.
• Make photocopies upon request.
• Updates labels on books/manual on the unit.
• Establishes patient record by preparing folder; assigning patient number; completing patient identification information.
• Contact Bio-Med for any broken equipment.
• Label all patient records and medication sheets daily.
• Documents patient care services by copying nursing and physician notes to patient and department records.
• Documents shall be labeled with the appropriate patient identification prior to any scanning.
• All documents scanned will place the letter “S” on the document to identify that the document has been scanned.
• All documents, including the Special Attention Documents, shall be scanned by the unit clerk and placed in the designated folder titled “The Health Information Management Department (HIMD) Folder”, to be picked up by HIMD.
• Arranges discharges by notifying business office and patient transporter service.
• Maintains unit operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
• Provides assistance to other units assigned.
• Maintains unit supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Keeps unit equipment operational by following manufacturer's instructions and established procedures; calling for repairs.
• Secures patient information by completing data base backups.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Maintains continuity among work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Makes bedside rounds to check patient identification bands, matches patients names against census report.
• Use the computer terminal to update patient census, patient discharges and enter beds that are ready for admissions.
• Notifies The Admitting office immediately when a patient expires.
• Expedites patient flow by expediting cleaning of beds, patients’ movement.
• Update White Board per shift.
• Contact the physician for nurses, patients and families.
• Demonstrate an ability to recognize cultural issues for the different ethnic/religious groups for population served
• Utilizes proper procedure when computers are on downtime.
• Completes follow-up appointments for discharged patients, if applicable.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Graduate or GED required.
• College education desirable.

Experience:

• No prior experience required but familiarity with office procedures in a medical or doctor’s office preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Critical thinking, math, and computer skills; Works as a team player. 
• Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional growth and development.
• Excellent oral and communication skills. 
• Decision making and problem solving. 
• Able to read, write, see and hear English.
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC's electronic record systems, equipment and healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment requiring prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day. 
• Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 35 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• An individual in this position may be exposed to: Adverse indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, Blood borne pathogens, Blood and body fluids, Physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.), communicable diseases, chemical hazards, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion, able to lift up to 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist lifting and moving patients.
• Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand and eye coordination.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range.
• Frequently sitting at desk working on computer.
• Sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.