LPN Unit Secretary Full Time Day Shift

Summary:

The Unit Secretary-LPN is responsible for coordinating the clerical and public relations of the unit, also coordinating patient services and diagnostic studies provided by ancillary departments.

Required Skills:

Requirements will include successful completion of orientation checklist and skills/credentials/competency requirements of specific area of work.

• Demonstrates the values of team concept on a consistent basis.
• Focused on prioritizing the patient’s clinical experience, maintaining a high awareness of patient satisfaction.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to multi-task, while demonstrating proficient time management skills.
• Self-starter who needs no reminders of duties and tasks that need to be completed.
• Able to respond to and cope with emergency situations professionally and calmly.
• Focused, patient and calm, performing well under pressure in a stressful environment and able to take appropriate action.
• Must be flexible, responding to changes in work schedule, able to work as needed for appropriate departmental coverage.
• Must possess knowledge of computer operations and proficiency in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, the use of Microsoft Office, email, information systems and other similar software as required.
• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written, verbal and communication skills.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security. Additional languages are preferred.

Essential Functions:

To perform this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Interacts professionally with patients/families; treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Effectively and appropriately communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers, demonstrating customer service excellence through application of positive language principles, appropriate response and use of constructive problem-solving techniques which foster positive outcomes.
• Perform various clerical and administrative functions.
• Answers telephone/intercom in a polite manner; communicates information to the appropriate personnel/family.
• Greets patients, family, caregivers and visitors in a kind, professional, attentive, polite manner.
• Organizes and manages activities to show consideration of the unit as a whole.
• Assists with processing patient admissions, transfers and discharges. Assembles and maintains patient records and charts.
• Schedules procedures, operative and invasive.
• Transcribes physician’s orders; enters orders in the computer system.
• Retrieves lab results and brings the results to the attention of the charge nurse; takes specimens to the Clinical Laboratory.
• Checks in supplies received from Materials and places items on cart, to be put away by responsible staff person.
• Communicates information about dysrhythmias to charge/primary care nurse. Designated telemetry phone line
• Is aware of patient condition and whereabouts when patient is out of the unit.
• Handles delivery of mail daily to and from unit.
• Maintains various temperature logs for unit
• Answers call lights and directs request to appropriate staff
• Calls codes, pages, and overhead announcements as requested.
• Retrieves appropriate staff when family requests communication regarding patient's condition, beyond the Unit Secretary's scope of practice.
• Enters nursing requests subject to the approval of a licensed nurse. Ask for clarification when necessary.
• Assists RNs and physicians with other patient activities as needed.
• Assists in recording information for performance improvement activities.
• Must be able to perform duties of LPN job description.
• Maintains accurate and continued documentation. Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Applies principles of sterile techniques and infection control procedures.
• Assists in orientation and training of new staff/students as necessary.
• Keeps current with principles and practices, regulations, and standards that apply to healthcare.
• Performs other reasonably related job duties as assigned or requested, within scope of practice.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Ensures supplies are adequately stocked and organized.
• Ensures equipment is operating safely and correctly.
• Responsible for minor housekeeping, maintaining department/facility cleanliness and safety, as needed.

Leadership Capabilities:

N/A

Organizational Expectations:

Professional Conduct and Appearance:

• Adheres to dress code standards.
• Maintains a neat and clean appearance.

Interpersonal Skills and Confidentiality:

• Promotes harmonious relationships within and across departments.
• Safeguards confidential information related to patients, physicians, employees, and visitors.

Patient-Centric Environment:

• Creates a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients and families.
• Identifies opportunities for improving patient services.

Compliance and Education:

• Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
• Completes annual education requirements promptly.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Improvement:

• Adheres to state, federal, and Joint Commission regulations.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Keeps current with principles and practices, regulations, and standards as they apply to healthcare.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Cooperates with colleagues to achieve departmental goals.
• Adheres to organizational values, ethics, and professional standards.

Timeliness and Accountability:

• Reports to work punctually and completes tasks within designated timeframes.
• Properly uses identification and timekeeping systems.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Diploma in practical nursing or certificate program for licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Licenses:

• Must have current state-issued (or compact state) LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) licensure.

Certifications:

• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required within 90 days of hire or transfer.

Experience:

• One (1) year experience in hospital setting, preferred.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology, required