Unit Coordinator, Surgical Step Down, 24 Hours (Days)

Unit Coordinator

Every other weekend, every other major holiday required

Position Summary : Responsible for the overall clerical functions of the nursing station / front desk. Working collaboratively with the clinical team, the Unit Coordinator participates in the delivery of patient care by providing a variety of clerical, customer relations, and support services to patients, their families / visitors, and healthcare team members.

Essential Responsibilities / Duties :

Care of the Patient and Family / Visitors : Performs a variety of direct service activities to ensure that patients and their families / visitors receive timely information and appropriate responses to their needs.

• Greets and directs patients, families, visitors, and staff in a friendly, courteous, positive customer service manner.
• Coordinates activities of front desk / office support services. Performs clerical duties for the department. Answers / responds to telephone calls and inquiries in a timely manner. Handles inquiries; refers calls / inquiries to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. Checks and replies to BMC e-mail frequently during shift.
• Checks voice messages and follows up on messages during the shift. For Respiratory Therapy Dept.; this also includes : Logs in to the pulmonary function test (PFT) extension at the start of each shift, following breaks and lunch. Logs off the PFT extension at the start of breaks, lunch, and at the end of the shift.
• Uses manual / computer programs / terminal for access & data entry of patient information, verifies and updates as necessary, print reports, faxes as needed, order items as needed, schedule appointments, verify information, etc.
• Answers patient call lights in a timely manner and immediately, if possible. Responds to patient requests within the scope of his / her role, seeks assistance from the clinical team as appropriate. Follows-up on call light requests to ensure nursing staff has responded.
• Maintains communication data, i.e. computer, charge / white boards, daily communication sheets, assignment sheets, updates room name tags, pre-caution labels, etc.
• Participates in orienting patient to their room, call light, telephones, and the unit by distributing welcome letters and informational packets.
• Initiates daily RN phone assignment, logs RN daily phone numbers, and demonstrated appropriate procedures to triage calls through patient call system.
• Secures patients' personal property and belongings according to hospital procedures, e.g., labeling patient belongings, sending valuables to the safe, etc. Ensures a patient belongings list for every patient. Upon discharge copies belongings list and files in binder / other designated location.
• Monitors healthcare computer software systems (i.e., SCM, SDK, GE, etc.) and Bed Board for new discharge orders, prints discharge summaries, places discharge summaries in chart, makes clinic appointments for patient prior to discharge, documents as required.
• Handles and distributes mail, flowers, gifts, etc. Facilitates patient / family / visitor access to available hospital services such as, the cafeteria, chapel, gift shop, parking, cashier, etc.
• Identifies emergency situations and initiates appropriate response actions within the scope of his / her role. Is familiar with area disaster plan and unit.
• Coordinates and makes appointments for transportation for patients and related materials, e.g., VA, chair car, patient transport, medical records, specimens, blood products, requisitions, etc., in a timely manner. Uses computer software / terminal for access data entry.
• Interfaces among various departments : works collaboratively with other units, services, and departments to ensure patients, families, visitors, and staff receive needed services information, and materials.
• Takes initiative to identify and resolve / respond to questions and / or discrepancies; acts within the scope of his / her role and refers issues to appropriate team members as needed.
• Performs a variety of office and clerical functions, such as photocopying, sending and receiving fax transmissions; takes actions to respond appropriately. Checks copier daily and replaces paper as needed. Calls for service of copier as needed.
• Coordinates unit's communications including but not limited to, placing alpha numeric text pages to physicians or appropriate staff; calling family members / next of kin, etc.
• May assist in patient admission, discharge, and transfer processes by obtaining and managing insurance pre-approvals, obtaining and verifying demographic information, completing free-care applications obtaining and creating medical records.

Medical Record and Order Entry : Maintains accurate, complete, up-to-date patient care records as defined by hospital policy.

Care of the Environment, Equipment, and Material Supplies : Performs a variety of activities to ensure a clean, safe, and stocked unit environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Work Rules, Standards, and Competency Compliance : Acts in a manner that supports a positive and collaborative work environment and that is congruent with established standards