Unit Secretary, Acute Care of the Elderly

Care New England Health System; Warwick; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Unit Secretary for the Acute Care of the Elderly. This part-time role involves managing medical records, processing physician orders, and providing essential clerical support within a dynamic healthcare environment. You will be the first point of contact for patients and visitors, ensuring smooth communication and coordination of non-nursing services. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about contributing to patient care, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team committed to excellence in healthcare and make a difference in the lives of the elderly.

Qualifications

• High School diploma with at least one year of related experience or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology are required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate medical records and process physician orders in the electronic record.
• Greet visitors, assist with inquiries, and manage communication in the unit.
• Assist with patient discharge and maintain patient census records.

Skills

Basic Computer Skills

Medical Terminology Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Unit Secretary, Acute Care of the Elderly

Department: KH-4 NORTHWEST

Operating Unit: Kent Hospital

Location: Warwick, RI

Job ID: 22289

Job Status: Part Time

Shift: Evenings

Schedule: 3:00pm - 11:00pm EOW/EOH

Primary Function

Responsible for viewing and processing physician orders in the electronic medical record, transcribing physician orders when needed especially during downtime procedures, maintaining bed management records, accessing lab results on the computer, performing receptionist and clerical duties, and coordinating non-nursing services within the unit.

Responsibilities

1. Initiate, assemble and maintain accurate, functional medical records for all patients in the assigned unit. Accurately view and process physician orders in the electronic medical record. Transcribe written physician orders when needed, especially during downtime procedures, and complete all necessary forms, requisitions, and communications to implement orders and record clinical data. Follow through to obtain missing information.
2. Maintain inventory of paper forms needed to provide continuous service, minimizing downtime, and ensure a safe, clean, and functional working environment in the nursing station and area. Responsible for updating all unit forms and managing their storage.
3. Greet and assist visitors courteously, screen telephone calls, answer call buttons through nurse station intercom or in person, and direct to appropriate caregiver. Process mail and correspondence. Make phone calls to relay patient information and schedule appointments as directed. Answer inquiries about procedures and policies.
4. Prepare medical records upon patient discharge.
5. Copy medical records and obtain discs for patient transfers/discharges to other facilities.
6. Maintain patient census both manually and electronically.
7. Assist with accessing or retrieving reports as requested.
8. File documents following standard procedures; maintain medical records neatly and orderly.
9. Attend daily Interdisciplinary Discharge Rounds and keep a log of potential discharges for the day or next day.
10. Obtain the Advanced Directive List and Discharge Flag Report from the unit's printer for shift safety huddles.
11. Obtain overdue lab specimen reports from the printer for distribution to RN and CNA staff.
12. Float hourly as necessary to fill in for open unit secretary areas across inpatient units.
13. Print lab slips as needed, especially during downtime procedures.
14. Order, track, and file equipment paperwork such as Wound VACs and specialty beds/mattresses.
15. Orient new staff members to all responsibilities of the unit secretary role.
16. Communicate pertinent patient care and general information to nursing staff.
17. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

High School diploma with at least one year of related experience or equivalent. Basic computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology are required.

About Care New England Health System

Care New England and its member institutions—including Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group—are trusted organizations leading medical research, attracting top specialists, and offering innovative health programs.

Additional Statements

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: Applicants must be able to perform essential job functions with or without accommodations, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Ethics Statement: Employees are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with organizational standards, policies, mission, vision, and values.