Health Unit Coordinator - Observation Unit

Full Time - Night Shift

Primary Purpose

Coordinates clerical activities and supports patient services utilizing clinical information systems to ensure accurate preparation and processing of patient documents, verify status information and confirm communications for doctors, nurses, patients, and family members to ensure effective operations of the unit.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Must have one (1) year of healthcare experience -OR-
• Must have one (1) year of related clerical experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Upon hire, individuals must have current Heartsaver CPR course completion card from one of the following organizations. Current incumbents as of October 23, 2024, must obtain this certification by March 1, 2025:
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• SAMA certification, levels 1-4, must be obtained within 30 days of hire or placement in the following cost centers: Current incumbents as of October 23, 2024, must complete this by December 1, 2024.
• 60593 (Behavioral Health Ext. Observation Unit),
• 60610 (Inpatient Psychiatry), and
• 62340 (Psychiatric ED).
• Prefer National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC) certification.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and hospital staff.
• Must be able to complete the Health Unit Coordinator checklist within three months of employment.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient-centered/patient-valued behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Transcribes, prioritizes, processes, and communicates all orders to support patient services.
• Admits, transfers and discharges patients by creating charts, checking rooms and receiving, logging, and storing patient valuables and nonvaluables to facilitate the administration of patient services.
• Prepares and processes hardcopy and computerized patient files by entering, sorting, and updating information to ensure that accurate and complete records are maintained for each patient.
• Coordinates special procedures by processing legal paperwork, X-rays and test data to appropriate sources to ensure the timely delivery of essential materials. May arrange follow-up appointments for patients to facilitate the continuation of needed care.
• Orders and picks-up/delivers medical supplies, non-medical supplies, laboratory requisitions, and other items, while adhering to established standards to respond to, and expedite routine requests.
• Acts as the primary contact for the unit, while assisting and responding to information requests from doctors, nurses, patients, patient families and others to effectively service unit staff and customers by providing a permanent information resource within the unit.
• Monitors and maintains the environment of care as required by management. Assignments may include cleaning and monitoring of refrigerators, organization of nurses station and MD areas, cleaning of phones and keyboards.
• Monitors and maintains the patient room including cleaning of white boards, stripping linens after patient discharge, ensuring privacy curtains and window shades are clean and in working order, assessing and notifying appropriate personnel of cleaning or repair needs.
• Assists with safety monitors which may include but are not limited to checking patient ID and allergy bands, checking to ensure fall precaution prompts are in place (armband, signage, chart stickers) and performing baby watch in the WISH units.
• Assists with charge entry or charge entry audits. Ensures accurate charge capture or professional billing as required by unit.
• Serves as patient advocate by responding to patient comfort needs such as providing blankets, ice water, passing meal trays, and notifying nurses of other patient needs.
• Transports patients to other departments or for discharge if transportation department is not available.
• Assists in the training of employees to provide instruction on unit-specific operations.
• Performs other work as requested that is reasonably related to the employee's position, qualifications, and competencies.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.