Job Description

The Unit Secretary reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Unit Secretary maintains organization and communication within the nursing unit through the execution of all clerical functions under the direct supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse.

Responsibilities:

• Creates a positive first impression by: Immediately acknowledging and greeting customers, remains calm under pressure, always polite and friendly dealing with customers, and responds to customer needs in a timely and accurate manner.
• Keeps patients/families/staff informed of delays, takes action to let patients/families/staff know they are our top priority.
• Respectful of different cultures, rituals, religious beliefs.
• Respects confidentiality of patient, coworker, visitor information.
• Volunteers to pitch in to help others. Demonstrates teamwork.
• Welcomes new staff and help them to become part of the team.
• Shares expertise with others. (This includes other units)
• Incorporates CARE standards into daily practice.
• Manages personal emotional response to maintain professional demeanor and integrity.
• Exhibits behaviors consistent with service excellence.
• Seeks resolutions to problems and seeks out management assistance when needed.
• Accurate order entry in Meditech.
• Accurate entry of Nursing Home medications into admission medication reconciliation.
• Accurate chart assembly.
• Attends annual in-services on Safety, Infection Control and hospital exposure control plan related to Blood Borne Pathogens.
• Avoids hazardous situations by using proper body mechanics.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient care information.
• Attends in-service and staff meetings related to Unit Secretaries. Keeps current with changes by reading Nursing updates, Informatics Newsletters, and posted memos.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures (i.e., dress code).
• Maintains all areas of the nursing station in a neat and orderly manner. Orders and maintains adequate amount of clerical supplies for the efficient functioning of the nursing unit.
• Initiates, updates and maintains Patient/ unit communication tools ( i.e., Daily Floor Census Record, Sign out Sheets)
• Checks Pneumatic tube station frequently. Addresses contents of received tubes in a timely manner
• Demonstrates proper phone etiquette (i.e. identifies self, is polite and courteous, puts call on hold while waiting for staff to answer, etc) and reestablishes contact with caller while on hold.
• Takes phone messages and relays messages to the appropriate staff in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Required

• High School graduate.
• General clerical skills and typing ability required.

Preferred

• Some medical background and knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of computer and printer operations and features

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.