Unit Secretary-Labor & Delivery OR Triage Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare - Chicago, IL

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Hospitals

About the position

The Unit Secretary plays a crucial role in the patient care unit by serving as the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and staff. This position is responsible for coordinating the flow of information at the nurses' station, ensuring effective communication, and assisting healthcare providers in managing patient care and experiences. The Unit Secretary reflects the mission and values of Northwestern Medicine and adheres to all relevant policies and standards.

Responsibilities

• Extend courtesies to patients, staff, and visitors in a prompt and responsive manner.
• Monitor visitor/employee access and alert security as necessary.
• Facilitate communication in difficult situations and escalate appropriately.
• Assist and direct patients, staff, and visitors according to hospital policies.
• Answer the phone promptly and transfer calls according to NMH phone standards using AIDET.
• Coordinate calls on multiple lines simultaneously and respond to patient calls via the nurse call system.
• Recognize patient care requests requiring urgent attention and escalate to appropriate staff.
• Prepare and maintain medical records on admission, discharge, and transfer.
• Assist the care team in obtaining and releasing medical records.
• Maintain paper records and ensure forms are placed in the medical record.
• Scan appropriate forms into the electronic medical record (EMR) and notify team members of additions.
• Facilitate unit readiness for EMR downtime and report problems to IT HELP desk.
• Perform charge entry accurately and verify regulatory documentation at the point of care.
• Perform admission, discharge, and transfer activities in a timely manner.
• Notify nursing staff and physicians upon patient admission and arrival of consulting teams.
• Prepare patient charts for discharge or transfer and request necessary transport.
• Track patient scheduling for tests and procedures and monitor patient activity on the unit.
• Maintain a clean and organized nursing station and manage clerical supplies and equipment.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Computer experience.

Nice-to-haves

• One year of college or business school.
• Unit secretary experience.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.