Under general supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Surgical Services and direct supervision by Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, RN or LPN, unit secretary performs a variety of functions which involves demonstration of proficient clerical skills, accurate information management/data entry, obtaining supplies, and performing some basic patient care duties. Must be dependable, organized, and have excellent communication and customer relations skills. At times, assignments to other patient care units are requested by Nurse Manager or Supervisor. At all times, assignments will be determined by adjustment of department patient census and current staffing levels for the overall patient care which are reviewed shift-to-shift. As determined by the Nurse Manager, the Unit Secretary (US) will be assigned up to 40 hours per week Monday --Friday, flexing to according to the needs of the unit and staff. The unit secretary is expected to function within the scope of approved policies, procedures, and regulations for the department and organization. Will be responsible to assist with orientation, preceptorship, and management of personnel assigned to unit. Must be able to work and relate in a professional, non-defensive manner with peers, physicians, mid-level providers, administration, patients, and visitors. Will be responsible to document and relay patient needs to nurses or CNA/techs. Review and maintain patient chart per policy and assist with accurate and timely entry of patient data, orders, and charges into computer system. The unit secretary will demonstrate responsibility for the answering call lights in professional manner allowing patient time to finish statements or request. Unit secretary may assist nurses/ tech with water or ice request. Unit secretary must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with teams for patient care, ordering diagnostic test (i.e. stool, sputum, urine), ordering nutrition's and supplies needed on the unit. Unit Secretary is the first face that families and patients sees upon enter nurses station. Unit secretary must present kind, friendly customer services, addressing patients and families (i.e. may I help you, hello how are you today) to identify needs and convey those need to the appropriate team member. Unit secretary must demonstrate the ability to assess nonverbal cues, provide support, education and advise to patients to make sure they feel care for, listened to and provide comfort. The unit secretary must demonstrate the ability to make all follow up appointment. Unit secretary must take the time to actively listen to patients concerns, encouraging patient to ask questions, respecting their wishes and communicate what the patients wants with family and other team members and provides emotional support to both patient and family. Promotes unit and organizational philosophy and goals. Supports and assists with staffing/scheduling policies to meet unit needs. Assists with establishment of departmental policies and procedures that reflect the services provided by the department. Participates in organizational committees as assigned. Demonstrates professionalism and reinforces professional behavior of staff members. Maintains current knowledge of regulatory requirements: IFC, CDC, DNV, MSDH, Baby Friendly initiatives and CMS. Demonstrates knowledge and skill related to patient throughput and customer service / satisfaction providing kind, compassionate care to all patient types. Unit secretary is required to float between departments as indicated by units needs and census - this is non-negotiable and it's an expectation. Complete the yearly mandatory in-service (YMI) requirements is nonnegotiable and will be the responsibility of the employee to arrange, attend sessions and maintain current on Healthstream.