HUC - UNIT CLERK - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Health Unit Clerk

The Health Unit Clerk will perform clerical functions related to the admission and discharge of patients and to the organization of the department. Essential job functions include regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance. The role contributes to the delivery of direct and indirect patient care within the parameters established by hospital policy, procedure, protocol, and standards of care. The Health Unit Clerk assists in meeting patient care needs as directed, transcribes and enters physician orders via the order entry system, collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed, and appropriately places reports / results on patient records following review by RN. The Health Unit Clerk utilizes appropriate etiquette when answering the telephone and intercom, takes and relays messages appropriately and timely, makes patient rounds as requested to address patient needs and physical environment, and assists in developing an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care, and improve outcomes.

The Health Unit Clerk obtains resources as needed, reports to the RN / LPN information regarding the patient's readiness to learn, maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care, performs chart management functions, and notifies RN promptly of a 'stat' order. The role assists in maintaining appropriate staffing levels by identifying and contacting replacement staff as needed, participates in unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer service, assists in data collection process as requested, and recommends modifications for performance improvement. The Health Unit Clerk demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of the unit clerk, demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate, maintains accountability for actions taken, effectively functions as a resource person, and acts as a patient advocate.

The Health Unit Clerk performs effectively in the role of preceptor / mentor to new hires and / or students, assists in maintaining / decreasing organizational / department costs, assists in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies, assists in continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys, adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections, oversees that sufficient and proper supplies are maintained on an assigned unit, provides for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies, utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care, assumes appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes, responds effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters, and assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma, GED, or higher level of education. Preferred qualifications include experience in a healthcare setting and medical terminology. License, certification, and clearances include an Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department. The incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.) and travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations. The Health Unit Clerk actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. The Health Unit Clerk recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance, and professional development. The Health Unit Clerk strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela's missions, vision, and values. Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class.