Patient Care Secretary - PCS

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the supervision of the department supervisor/director or charge nurse.  Performs the receptionist and clerical duties on the unit while functioning as a focal communication source in the nursing station. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.  Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Receives, greets, and directs patients, visitors, and hospital personnel arriving in or calling the Emergency Department, and refers requests to appropriate hospital personnel.
2.  Initiates, assembles and maintains charts for all patients in the department and files diagnostic and laboratory reports in appropriate charts as needed.
3. Maintains adequate quantity of forms, materials, supplies, and equipment inventory.
4.  Communicates all pertinent patient care information and general environmental information to the department supervisor/director or other unit staff as appropriate.
5. Upon request, compiles statistical data.
6. Copies and files as requested, including organization of Advanced Directives.
7. Schedules patient procedures where applicable.
8. Attends in-service education programs as assigned and completes mandatory in-services.
9. Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
10. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit.  Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.
11. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain a clean, safe, and functional working environment.
2. Participates in Performance Improvement activities.

3. Assists department supervisor/director with clerical duties as requested.
4. Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. Completion of medical terminology course; completion of patient care secretary class at an accredited college, Memorial Healthcare, or equivalent on-the-job experience.  Requires level of education necessary to read and interpret physicians' orders and patient charts, perform basic math skills.
2. BLS is required.
3. CPI training required.

EXPERIENCE

1. Previous experience preferred, not required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work:  Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.  On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.  Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision:  Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.  Near acuity:  Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.  Midrange Acuity:  Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.  Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing:  Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipmentas used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for transcription of orders; ability to communicate via telephone; ability to utilize a computer to enter and retrieve data.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
3. Ability to follow directions and protocols; ability to understand doctors’ orders; ability to maintain proper chart organization; ability to keep self and nursing unit organized and prioritize tasks.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Ability to communicate effectively; ability to read doctors’ orders.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.