Unit Secretary - IMCU in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Unit Secretary – Inpatient

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting (IMCU) | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Inpatient Unit Secretary at UNC Health Appalachian, you will be an essential part of the care team, helping keep a busy inpatient unit organized, connected, and running efficiently. You’ll serve as a central point of communication for patients, families, nurses, physicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team while providing the clerical and administrative support needed for smooth day-to-day patient care operations.

This role is ideal for an organized, service-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced hospital environment, can confidently manage multiple priorities, and enjoys supporting both patients and the clinical team. While this is not primarily a direct patient care role, your work directly contributes to communication, coordination, patient experience, and the overall efficiency of the inpatient unit.

Compensation: Starting at $16.45/hour based on education, experience, and internal equity

Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; and additional employee support programs. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation. Assistance with CNA program costs is available as this is intended to be a career pathway.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You’ll Do as an Inpatient Unit Secretary

Inpatient Unit & Administrative Support

• Provide clerical and administrative support for the daily operations of an inpatient hospital unit.

• Process and maintain patient documentation and charts in accordance with UNC Health Appalachian and departmental policies.

• Answer unit telephones and patient call lights and appropriately receive, screen, and direct communications.

• Record and relay messages accurately and promptly to nurses, physicians, and other members of the care team.

• Assist with maintaining schedules, coordinating rooms, taking notes or minutes, and supporting unit meetings or activities as requested.

• Help maintain an organized and efficient nursing station and unit environment.

Patient Care Communication & Coordination

• Serve as a key communication link among patients, families, nurses, physicians, ancillary departments, leadership, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.

• Greet patients, families, visitors, and team members promptly and courteously.

• Communicate information accurately, professionally, and within the scope of the Unit Secretary role.

• Support the timely flow of information needed for patient care and unit operations.

• Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and respect for the dignity, privacy, and individual needs of each patient and family.

• Assist patients, families, visitors, and coworkers when appropriate and within the scope of the position.

Patient Experience & Safety

• Support a positive inpatient experience through responsive communication, organization, and exceptional customer service.

• Respond quickly and appropriately to urgent situations and emergencies within the work environment, following established procedures and the appropriate chain of command.

• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality when handling patient information and communications.

• Perform responsibilities under direct supervision and seek assistance when needs fall outside the scope of the position.

• Contribute to an environment focused on patient safety, quality, and reliable care delivery.

Teamwork & Unit Operations

• Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, clinical support staff, and other departments to support efficient inpatient operations.

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, accountability, and effective communication in daily work.

• Manage multiple requests and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, coworkers, physicians, leadership, and other UNC Health Appalachian team members.

• Contribute to a healthy, respectful, and team-focused work environment.

• Demonstrate UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values through daily interactions and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Advanced coursework in business or medical terminology preferred

Experience

• One (1) year of prior experience in a medical or office setting preferred

• Previous experience in a hospital, inpatient, or other healthcare environment preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, visitors, nurses, physicians, staff, and the public

• Ability to follow the appropriate chain of command and use effective verbal and non-verbal communication

• Strong commitment to patient-centered service and an exceptional patient experience

• Strong typing, computer, word-processing, and basic mathematical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, requests, and priorities in a fast-paced inpatient environment

• Ability to remain organized and responsive when unit priorities or patient needs change

• Personable, professional, and collaborative approach

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling patient and clinical information

Physical Requirements

• Manual dexterity and mobility

• Prolonged or extensive sitting with periods of standing and walking

• Ability to bend, squat, twist, and turn

• Near visual acuity for patient documentation, computer work, and other detailed tasks

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull less than 30 pounds as needed

• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity

Work Environment

• Work is performed within an inpatient hospital environment with regular interaction with patients, families, clinical staff, physicians, and visitors.

• Regular exposure to the potential risk of bloodborne diseases and other clinical environmental hazards.

• Frequent exposure to electrical, mechanical, and powered equipment, chemicals, specimens, and other healthcare-related conditions.

• May require irregular hours based on inpatient operational needs, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Requires the ability to respond appropriately during urgent and emergency situations.

• May require continuous sitting or standing for extended periods during the shift.

• Periods of walking or standing may exceed two hours per shift.

• Frequent speaking, reading, writing, and computer-based work.

• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.

• Requires the ability to hear soft voices from more than three feet away.

• Frequent close visual work.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.