Unit Clerk at Coalinga Regional Medical Center – Coalinga, California

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

POPULATION SERVED

The position does not involve direct patient care for a population of patients ages 18 and

older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise are not required to

serve this population.

POSITION SUMMARY

Using independent judgment, the Unit Clerk provides clerical services to the patient care units. The clerk is responsible for:

1. Correct transcription of orders
2. Filing of all reports
3. Maintaining patient log book
4. Daily chart reviews
5. Arranging for transportation and follow-up/outside tests
6. Maintaining current professional licenses and/or certifications as and when required by state, regulatory agency, or hospital mandate.
7. Protects hospital resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
8. Performs clerical duties related to admissions, transfers, discharges, and deaths.
9. Receives and handles phone calls appropriately. Records and communicates messages accurately and in a timely manner.
10. Practices Standard Precautions when providing patient and hospital services.
11. Responds promptly and appropriately to patient call lights or requests, referring to patient needs to appropriate staff.
12. Demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices.
13. Assures that the rights of all patients are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy confidentiality and dignity in the provision of service.
14. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to safely and appropriately fulfill job specific responsibilities related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, control of hazardous materials/waste, life safety, medical equipment and utility systems as outline in the hospital’s environment of care plan.
15. Demonstrates knowledge of equipment capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special applications.
16. Demonstrates the ability to access and use hospital computer systems according to established guidelines. Follows the hospital’s policy and procedures as they pertain to all hospital information systems.
17. Complies with the hospital’s policies and procedures, including timekeeping, dress code, attendance, and the Standards of Conduct.
18. Maintains required applicable education and in-service requirements and participates in departmental staff meetings (through attendance or reading meeting minutes).
19. Attends mandatory ethics program. Conducts all hospital business with the highest standard of ethical behavior.
20. Communicates with physicians, administrative staff, co-workers and patients/families in a respectful, confidential and collaborative manner.
21. Communicates and follows the organizational chain of command for notification of patient care/service issues, when appropriate.
22. Demonstrates a positive image and performs responsibilities in a professional manner. Demonstrates flexibility in the provision of patient care and service.
23. Demonstrates the ability to organize workload, set priorities, and use time efficiently to completer work in an organized manner. Maintains a clean and uncluttered environment.
24. Expresses and accepts feedback in a professional manner.
25. Assists with unity projects and takes initiative during downtime.
26. Assists in orientation of new staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrates an understanding of the hospital’s guest relations’ policies and programs by initiating and maintaining positive relations with patients, patient families, visitors, medical staff members and other employees, regardless of age, cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
2. Understands and adheres to hospital requirements for the assessment and provision of care which considers the personal, cultural, spiritual and/or ethnic beliefs of patients.
3. Assures that the rights of all patients are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy, confidentiality, and dignity in the provision of service.
4. Maintains current professional licenses and/or certifications as and when required by the state, regulatory agency, or hospital mandate.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of, and adheres to, all applicable professional/regulatory practice acts, state/federal regulations, and policies and procedures including DNV, Title XXII and requirements of other regulatory agencies, as applicable.
6. Identifies patients at risk for abuse and/or neglect, as well as associated signs and symptoms. Adheres to mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare professionals per Administrative Policy & Procedure.
7. Practices Universal Precautions while providing care and performing other hospital services.
8. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to safely and appropriately fulfill job specific responsibilities related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, control of hazardous materials/waste, life safety, medical equipment, and utility systems as outline in the hospital’s environment of care plan. Observes safety precautions to ensure a safe environment for patients, patient families and guests of all ages.
9. Actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values and goals. Participates in activities within organization that support performance improvement.
10. Conducts all hospital business within the highest standard of ethical behavior and adheres to and promotes integrity, in accordance with established Administrative Policy and Procedure.
11. Meets State of California standards by completing an annual TB test during the established time frame.
12. Demonstrates commitment to providing and maintaining a safe workplace. Reports all unsafe working conditions to supervisor or management team. Corrects unsafe work conditions as directed.
13. Adheres to and promotes EEO, ADA and Sexual and other Unlawful Harassment policies.

UNIT-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Demonstrates knowledge of adolescent (13 to 17 years), adult (18 to 70 years), and geriatric (71+ years) age-specific differences when communication with patients and family, as evidenced by age-appropriate language, inflection, and volume. Refers all communication problems and/or clinical-related questions from patients/families to nursing staff.
2. Reports equipment malfunctions to Shift Manager and Engineering/Maintenance.
3. Keeps charge nurse informed of pertinent information related to patient care.
4. Assures continuous coverage of responsibilities when activities require absence from desk.
5. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Excellent reading, writing, and communication skills are required, along with knowledge of medical terms and at least one (1) year of experience as a Unit Clerk (preferred).