Unit Assistant - Med/Surg

Summary

* Sign on bonus may be available for qualified candidates *

* Competitive Wages *

* Benefit package for eligible employees *

This position provides excellent customer service by greeting everyone on the unit, courteously answering the phone s, answering inquiries, assisting in nursing care for patients while working as a member of the nursing team, and assisting with other patient and family customer service requests. Unit Secretary/Telemetry Technician will round in nursing departments to offer assistance and support of the unit. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Unit Secretary/Telemetry Technician performs a variety of clerical duties related to maintenance of records and coordination of patient care for the nursing unit. 

Responsibilities

(70%)* Serves as receptionist and greeter, courteously answering all inquiries from patients, families, staff, and other departments and facilities. Answers phones and transfers calls. Page or call nurses, providers and/or families. Monitors telemetry for all inpatients, notifies RN of changes noted. Prints telemetry strips for each patient, each shift (twice per day) and sends to medical records. Performs clerical duties related to admission, discharge, and transfer.

(10%)* Contacts necessary departments for various test and procedures and schedules follow-up appointments for patients being discharged.

(10%)* Communicates with relevant personnel any information pertinent to a patient’s particular needs concerning care, service or comfort.

(10%)* Reports changes in patient’s conditions to the Registered Nurse. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients. Assists with patient care: vitals, patient positioning, bathroom assistance, reporting to bed alarms, sit with 1:1 patients as needed, and round in ICU every hour. OTHER DUTIE SAND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Look up information in the computer to answer inquiries. Uses the computer system to check/validate census, correct bed, correct patient, new consult orders, etc. and update patient status to discharge or transfer. Checks new admissions charts making sure all paper forms/consents are in the charts and signed. Maintains any paper charts outside the computer system. Organizes documents from printer and fax (after visit summaries, prescriptions, etc.) making sure all papers for same patient are together and not co-mingled with others; gives to nurse or provider. Checks in and reports out to nursing staff any information received throughout the day. Some units may need various “logs” which are maintained by the unit secretary. Updates the whiteboard at the nurses’ station. Communicates requests for office supplies to the responsible staff person. Processes consults and contacts consulted provider and documents date/time and with whom they spoke regarding the order.

Helps compile and print any documents needed for transfer to another facility. Processes requests for transfers when patient needs to change rooms. Communicates and/or orders patient care supplies when additional or special equipment is needed (such as ostomy supplies or bariatric bed). Maintain a clean and orderly work area. May audit charges in the computer system and bring errors to the attention of the designated responsible staff member. Faxes documents. Enters staff/patient assignments in the nurse call system to facilitate communication. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Certifications and Licensures

Credential: FINGERPRIN: Fingerprinting
Equivalent Experience: 

Required Education

Education: High School Diploma or GED
Equivalent Experience: Knowledge of medical terminology and medical office practices, policies and procedures as normally acquired through experience working in the medical center or similar setting.

Education Specialization: GENSTUDY

Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of reading, writing, mathematical, and basic computer skills.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• BLS certification is preferred.
• Completion of a medical terminology course preferred.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Sedentary. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 0-10 lbs.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of reading, writing, mathematical, and basic computer skills.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• BLS certification is preferred.
• Completion of a medical terminology course preferred.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Sedentary. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 0-10 lbs.

(70%)* Serves as receptionist and greeter, courteously answering all inquiries from patients, families, staff, and other departments and facilities. Answers phones and transfers calls. Page or call nurses, providers and/or families. Monitors telemetry for all inpatients, notifies RN of changes noted. Prints telemetry strips for each patient, each shift (twice per day) and sends to medical records. Performs clerical duties related to admission, discharge, and transfer.

(10%)* Contacts necessary departments for various test and procedures and schedules follow-up appointments for patients being discharged.

(10%)* Communicates with relevant personnel any information pertinent to a patient’s particular needs concerning care, service or comfort.

(10%)* Reports changes in patient’s conditions to the Registered Nurse. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients. Assists with patient care: vitals, patient positioning, bathroom assistance, reporting to bed alarms, sit with 1:1 patients as needed, and round in ICU every hour. OTHER DUTIE SAND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Look up information in the computer to answer inquiries. Uses the computer system to check/validate census, correct bed, correct patient, new consult orders, etc. and update patient status to discharge or transfer. Checks new admissions charts making sure all paper forms/consents are in the charts and signed. Maintains any paper charts outside the computer system. Organizes documents from printer and fax (after visit summaries, prescriptions, etc.) making sure all papers for same patient are together and not co-mingled with others; gives to nurse or provider. Checks in and reports out to nursing staff any information received throughout the day. Some units may need various “logs” which are maintained by the unit secretary. Updates the whiteboard at the nurses’ station. Communicates requests for office supplies to the responsible staff person. Processes consults and contacts consulted provider and documents date/time and with whom they spoke regarding the order.

Helps compile and print any documents needed for transfer to another facility. Processes requests for transfers when patient needs to change rooms. Communicates and/or orders patient care supplies when additional or special equipment is needed (such as ostomy supplies or bariatric bed). Maintain a clean and orderly work area. May audit charges in the computer system and bring errors to the attention of the designated responsible staff member. Faxes documents. Enters staff/patient assignments in the nurse call system to facilitate communication. Performs other duties as assigned.