Unit Secretary-Sitter at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Job Summary:

The Unit Secretary is responsible for the secretarial aspects of patient care and the environmental management of the work unit. The unit secretary functions directly under the supervision of the Operations Supervisor, Patient Care Coordinator and is directly accountable to the Patient Care Manager. At times, the unit secretary will function as a Sitter. Under the direction of the nurse, Operations Supervisor and Nurse Manager, maintains the safety of patients who are confused, at risk of falling, or are suicidal and deemed a danger to self or others. This includes maintaining safety for patients in restraints. Maintains a safe, clean environment for patient area. May participate in diversion activities with the patient, such as reading to the patient, playing games/cards, watching TV, etc. Effectively interacts with the patient, his/her significant others, and the nursing staff. Effectively communicates observations, conditions, problems, safety issues, and concerns regarding the patient directly with the nursing staff. All duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide reliable assistance to the members of the team, including nurses, managers, techs, and physicians.
• Demonstrates good customer service skills when interacting with patients, visitors, and co-workers. Helps ensure that the unit runs efficiently.
• Demonstrates team work with assisting in passing out meal trays, retrieving or delivering blood/labs as necessary when a tech is not available.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for operating telephone, fax, scanner, label printer, and computer.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate and interact with patients, families, visitors and members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates skills to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Maintains own clinical skills, staying current in skills, ongoing competencies, equipment and certifications.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform skills required for each unit’s population by rendering care to sit with a patient when assigned that may include restraint procedures, 1:1 suicide precautions and safety measures to prevent the patient from injuring themselves or falling.
• Accurately complete temperature logs on all refrigerators and blanket warmers. Responsible for cleaning out refrigerators twice weekly. Make sure nourishment rooms are clean and stocked — to include ensuring that any open drinks are dated.
• Adheres to and promotes the established values of the organization, i.e., customer service, safety and compliance standards.
• Perform daily rounds making sure that all isolation measures are instituted. Including making sure the isolation caddies are properly stocked.
• Assist with hostess duties when the hostess is unavailable.
• Embraces and practices We CARE philosophy in all aspects of patient, visitor, co-worker, employee and non-employee interactions.
• Must complete Press Ganey handwashing assessment each shift.
• Required to arrive at work for huddle at 6:45 am/pm.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills:

High School Diploma/GED required.

Work Experience:

Computer experience preferred but not required.

Certification/Licensure—DUE UPON HIRE:

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure — Obtained based on the required timeframe below:

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperates with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, and function under stress.