Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of the RN, performs the receptionist and secretarial duties in the assigned Patient Care Unit while functioning as the focal communication source at the nursing station. Contributes to the operation of the unit by requisitioning supplies, equipment and services as directed.
Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. On the job training and self-study required. Completion of medical terminology and Unit Clerk class is preferred. Computer literacy, typing skills and basic knowledge of medical terminology required. BLS certification or obtain within 3 months of hire.
Skills, Talents and Abilities: Must be able to use positive interpersonal skills with all direct and telephone conversations. Must be able to prioritize work and effectively represent the hospital to the public. Must be able to respond in an emergency situation. Skilled at working in an area with multiple stimuli.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit (80%) of the designated shift. Must be able to balance, bend, climb, crawl, crouch, kneel, reach, sitting, squat, stand, twist and walk 100% of the time. Must be able to hear speech, distinguish sounds and speak, spell and write the English language legibly. Must have near vision, far vision, depth perception and be able to distinguish colors. Must be able to lift objects weighing 35 pounds. Must be able to work while being exposed to infectious disease, blood and body fluids, dust, noise, fumes/vapors, sharp instruments/tools, hazardous liquids, exposure to electrical shock, crowded, multiple stimuli, and operating machinery.
Position Accountabilities :
1. Receptionist duties:
a. Receives, greets and directs patients, visitors, physicians and hospital staff when arriving on or calling the patient care unit.
b. Acts as a focus of communication in the nursing station regarding all patient care activities, patient location and is able to provide information and direction regarding the same.
c. Receives request from patients, families and hospital or medical personnel and refers to nursing as appropriate.
d. Observes hospital and unit policy in assisting and directing patients, staff and visitors.
e. Functions as communication focus during emergencies, STAT requests and orders.
2. Operational/Secretarial/Clerical activities:
a. Records and delivers messages for patients and staff.
b. Receives and distributes mail and various other items on unit.
c. Maintains adequate quantity of forms, materials, supplies and inventory on assigned unit.
d. Maintains schedules, assignment boards, bulletin boards and other communication sources as per unit policy.
e. Maintains unit's patient/staff resource information, reference materials, appropriate policies and procedures issued by the hospital and regulating bodies, as assigned.
f. Maintains a clean, safe and functional working environment in patient care unit and in the nursing station.
3. Patient record/chart activities:
a. Initiates, assembles and maintains the patient record in the appropriate functional order as prescribed by hospital and unit policy; files reports as appropriate; monitors location of chart at all times; prepares and transfers chart to Medical Records upon discharge or expiration of the patient; maintains charts for all patients on the assigned unit.
b. Monitors PAL for stat orders and communicates urgency to the appropriate nurse. Inputs diet changes and miscellaneous tasks for specimens and as directed by the nurse. Completes order entry process for all procedure related orders.
c. Transcribes written physician orders. (may on occasion still have written orders, during downtime and from Hospice?).
d. Transfers patient electronically via the STAR system.
e. Completes the discharge communication process:
Discharge patient from STAR system.
Notify the next level of care of pending discharge/transfer i.e....(home care, hospice, ECF, Munson)
Assure that all appropriate paperwork has been completed i.e. (medication reconciliation, appropriate d/c instructions(CHF, Ortho), ECF paperwork, Ambulance transfer form, COBRA form)
Set up all f/u appointments ordered by physician
Contact DME co.(durable medical equipment) and fax orders
Fax discharge orders to accepting agencies ie (home care, hospice, ECF) and primary care physician
4. Other duties:
a. Communicates all pertinent patient care information and general environmental information to the RN, Clinical Coordinator, or Unit Director.
b. Attends unit staff meetings and inservice education programs as prescribed by hospital and unit standards; serves as the recording secretary for unit meeting, as requested.
c. Daily reviews each patient's admission status and obtains signatures for Medicare Messages on all appropriate inpatients per hospital policy/procedure.
d. Performs data retrieval for unit's quality management program, as directed.
e. Telemetry monitoring duties as assigned.
f. Performs other related duties, as assigned.