UNIT SECRETARY
Location Type:
Job Number: 240000OA
Category: Nursing
Job Number: 240000OA
Category: Nursing
Multiple Unit Secretary Opportunities in Various Specialties!
Med/Surg | ICU | Rehab | Oncology
Full-time | Part-Time | PRN
Job Summary
Join UT Southwestern as a Unit Secretary and help with our commitment to enhance patient care and comfort. UT Southwestern focuses on a Relationship-Based Care nursing method that allows for a stronger connection between patients and our caregivers. This allows for a more individualized and appropriate type of care. At UT Southwestern, the possibilities to explore your interests and advance your nursing career are limitless. We would love the opportunity to have you join the UT Southwestern nursing health care team!
Job Duties
· Maintains high level of service for both internal and external customers.
· Answers phone and ensures patient requests are disseminated to nursing staff as appropriate. Communicates repeated patient requests to appropriate staff or Charge Nurse as necessary.
· Accurately and promptly transcribes orders. Demonstrates working knowledge of medical terminology. Writes in legible handwriting appropriate forms with required dates, times and signatures. Coordinates scheduling of tests and procedures with appropriate departments in efficient and timely manner. Makes orders available for nurse review following initial transcription. Generates accurate computer entries based on orders transcribed, including essential information regarding patient (i.e., allergies, isolation precautions) and routes computer entries and paperwork.
· Prioritize “stat” and “now” orders above routine orders. Communicates priority orders, incomplete orders, illegible orders or use of non-approved abbreviations to Charge Nurse in a timely manner.
· Files reports and documents in appropriate areas of patient’s medical record as established by policies. Places lab results on chart prior to physician rounds. Thins patient’s charts by removing reports and documents in accordance with established policies. Stores “thinned records” in accordance with policy in unit-based files. Reviews medical records of discharged patients to ensure all reports and documents within record are stamped for designated patient and in order established by policy.
· Keeps unit stocked with supplies including forms. Checks par levels and orders supplies. Stocks patient rooms, nursing station, and stocks ordered supplies. Checks any specialty trays/supplies, ensures no expired items. Coordinates repairs of equipment with BioMed as necessary; tracks items under repair.
· Ensures correct bed status for patients, enters unit charges daily, return’s any rental equipment. Makes runs to lab, pharmacy, or central supply as necessary.
· Communicates appropriately with patients/families, physicians, and staff. Relays information to appropriate personnel in accurate and timely manner. Gives staff and charge nurse status reports on pending items. Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient’s family issues appear to be unresolved.
· Follows all established policies when performing all tasks.
· Assumes accountability for all actions in the workplace. Reports errors promptly.
· Orients new staff and students to work areas. Collaborates with other nursing staff and hospital employees to create an environment that is conducive to retention of qualified personnel. Utilizes downtime to assist others and/or to provide additional amenities to patients and/or patients’ families.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
· High School diploma or equivalent and no experience required. Specialty areas may have increased certification requirements as dictated by unit or standard of care. Health Unit Coordinator Certification (CHUC) preferred. Hospital and/or acute care experience preferred.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
Explore the full range of clinical opportunities we offer to new and experienced nursing professionals.
At UT Southwestern, our 3,000+ nurses are known by their credo, “Excellence is our starting point … not our finish line.” Each day, our nurses deliver the outstanding patient care for which UTSW is known, while also contributing to innovative programs and important research that will benefit patients and create new opportunities for current and future nurses.
As a Magnet-designated institution, our nurses are at the forefront of their profession, dispensing care that is guided by four core values:
Our nurses are committed to being national leaders among academic health centers and to continuous learning. It’s a journey of excellence at every step along the way.
Our nursing culture encompasses a progressive approach to shared governance that helps set the highest standards of nursing care. Here, at your pace, you can tap into our extensive educational and clinical resources as you develop and contribute to innovative programs in clinical practice, research, and education.
Everything starts with a focus on our patients and their families, providing them with personalized care, clinical excellence, and the utmost compassion.
This philosophy mirrors our collaborative team approach that’s fueled by trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to open communication among our physicians and nursing colleagues. We look for ways to leverage your strengths to create higher collective performance and achievements. These ideas help fuel the exceptional professional experience we offer to every member of our nursing team, which includes:
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.