Unit Clerk- Various Departments

DescriptionMAIN FUNCTION:

Coordinates the various activities on the unit; i.e., greeting and directing visitors, patients, physicians, staff members, etc. Responsibilities include assisting with new admissions and discharges/transfers; insuring information in patient charts is accurate and up-to-date. Assists nursing staff with various non-clinical duties, such as managing equipment for patients, as well as supplies and equipment for the unit.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Greets patients and visitors at the desk in a friendly, courteous manner. Presents a positive image at all times while directing patients, visitors and staff to appropriate areas. Makes all patients and visitors feel welcome and cared for. Enforces visiting policies as requested by nurse. *

2. Provides timely notification for absence or tardiness. Is flexible in work schedule to meet needs of other unit clerks and/or all schedule coverage. Demonstrates acceptable attendance record. *

3. Coordinates admission of patients. Completes proper admission documents. Assists nurse with room assignments when necessary. Initiates labeled medical record on admission. Assures prompt completion of admission diagnostic work with assistance from nurse. Notifies nurse of any stat orders. *

4. Coordinates discharge/transfer of patient. Prepares medical record for discharge. Takes completed medical record to HIS after discharge of patient. *

5. Answers telephone efficiently and courteously; relay messages and calls to appropriate personnel and patients; relays information to other departments as needed. Answers patient intercom promptly and courteously; refers all requests to the appropriate personnel immediately. *

6. Processes physician orders; assure completion of orders/stat orders. Notifies the nurse of new orders and assure orders are double-checked for transcription by the nurse. Refers telephone and verbal orders to nurse. Signs, dates and times on orders processed. *

7. Coordinates activities of patients. Notes departure and return of patients to and from other departments. Notifies other departments of pertinent changes in status or physician orders. Assists nursing staff with obtaining needed equipment or supplies from Central Supply. Orders supplies from storeroom. *

8. Maintains medical records in an orderly manner. Notifies nurse when information is missing. Keeps charts supplied with needed forms. Makes sure all forms have an ID label. Obtains past medical records from HIS. *

9. Operates copy and fax machines. *

10. Makes appointments for patients. Arranges transportation as requested. *

11. Assists Unit Director with data collection for Quality Improvement (QI) studies.

12. Monitors patients' charts for history, physicals, consents, and other important documents as appropriate to the unit.

13. Keeps desk stocked with needed clerical supplies.

14. Initiates and monitors work orders for Facility Engineering and Clinical Engineering.

15. Participates in monthly department staff meetings as well as regular unit clerk meetings; completes mandatory and recommended in-services, and committee assignments intended to improve patient care.

16. Answers patient call lights and assist with patients as appropriate.

17. May be required to perform other duties as qualified.

18. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

19. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

20. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

POPULATION SERVED:

All ages, from newborn to geriatrics. Employee will have contact with patients and employees of all cultural and religious backgrounds. Demonstrates appropriate awareness and knowledge in how the care delivery process or customer interactions would need to be changed to most effectively serve the population.

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE:

Employee performs within the prescribed limits of the hospitals/departments Ethics and Compliance and HIPAA Program. Is responsible to detect, observe and report compliance variances to their immediate supervisor, or upward through the chain of command, the Compliance Office or hospital hotline.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent. Training in secretarial skills and medical terminology preferred. Evidence of skill in writing and verbal communication very important.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

BLS CPR required within 90 days of hire date.

SKILLS:

Must be an individual who enjoys working in a busy, crowded, fast-paced setting. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential. Must be able to maintain a high degree of accuracy under stress, complete monotonous detail work without error and handle several tasks at once. Must be willing and able to learn terminology and equipment operation. Good penmanship necessary. Maintains confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in clean, well lighted, heated and air conditioned area. Moderately low risk for exposure to infectious diseases. Will work in crowded, noisy environment most of the time. Exposure to unpleasant sights, smells and infection diseases possible. Meal and coffee breaks may be delayed and interrupted at times.

DRESS CODE:

Adheres to AOMC dress code.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

May be required to sit for long periods of time. Normal speech, vision, hearing are necessary. Must be physically able to operate telephone, fax machine, copy machine, and handle medical records and other documents. May be asked to assist with direct patient care duties at times.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

CATEGORY III: Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluid or tissue are not a condition of employment.
• A.D.A. Essential Functions