Job Objective:
Under the supervision of the unit manager and/or charge nurse, the unit secretary competently performs department secretarial tasks as well as various supportive duties.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provides normal clerical support as needed to support unit functions such as copying, scanning, typing, filing, faxing and ordering of department supplies.
2. Assembles/maintains medical records according to Medical Center/unit practice.
3. Processes patient paperwork and prioritizes according to the highest need.
4. Ability to learn required computer skills within orientation period and maintains competency.
5. Transcribes physician orders accurately, timely, and efficiently.
6. High degree of involvement with patients and family members.
7. Transports patients when required.
8. Performs errands when assigned to facilitate unit workflow, i.e. transports specimens to lab, acts as messenger to various departments, etc.
9. Answers telephones in a courteous manner and directs calls appropriately.
10. Assist in maintenance of safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients.
11. Assists as needed in completion of unit support record keeping, department reports and/or statistical sheets and department meeting minutes.
12. Maintains department specific certifications.
13. Maintains department inventories.
14. Operates technical equipment safely and appropriately.
15. Orders requisitions for a variety of Medical Center services.
16. Demonstrates knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors.
17. Answers call lights.
18. Thins charts as needed.
19. Copy charts for transfers as needed.
20. Rounds for discharges; assesses empty bed status.
21. Processes and coordinates information for team leaders and charge units as needed.
Non-Essential Duties:
1. Assists in special projects as assigned
2. Other duties as requested
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge
- Working knowledge of basic medical terminology or ability to successfully complete studies in medical terminology within six (6) months of employment.
Skills
- Clear and concise communication skills
Abilities
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clinicians, and other health team professionals
AVMC Values: All AVMC employees will effectively demonstrate these values:
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Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
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Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
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Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
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Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
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Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
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Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.
Education and Experience:
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Participates in age specific educational and training programs.
Experience
- Minimum one year experience in an acute care setting preferred
- Previous secretarial experience greater than one year preferred
- Medical terminology preferred
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Possess and maintain current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health care Providers
AVMC Conduct/Compliance Expectations:
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Attendance and Punctuality Policy.
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy.
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy.
- Ability to adhere to the department dress code.
- Ability to organize work and establish priorities.
- Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties.
- Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards.
- Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters.
- Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff.
- Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVMC.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patients, hospital and department information.
- Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations.
- Safely and effectively use all the equipment necessary to carry out duties.
- Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures.
- Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements.
- Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines.
- Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education.
- Display a willingness to work as a team player.
- Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times.
- Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of Directors.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies.
- Ability to follow the Code of Conduct.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Work is often performed under demanding, emotional, and physical conditions. Accepts additional workload during times of unexpected circumstances (e.g., high activity, high census, and sudden emergencies).
A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.
