Unit Secretary

Brown-University-Health-1; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health seeks a Unit Secretary to coordinate patient flow and information on a unit or clinic. You will perform clerical and administrative duties under the Clinical Manager, using medical terminology and hospital systems.

The role emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, HIPAA compliance, and participation in ongoing education and safety procedures. Evening shifts are available as described in the posting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage complex clerical duties.
• Basic computer proficiency required.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English.
• Ability to support patient care across the lifespan.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate administrative and clerical functions with hospital policies.
• Enter and verify data in hospital systems and manage orders.
• Coordinate patient-related follow-up and documentation (Continuity of Care, tests, appointments).
• Page physicians and staff, maintain safety and HIPAA compliance.
• Attend required education and maintain competencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Medical terminology (basic)

English literacy

Lifespan patient care knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

SUMMARY

Coordinates the flow of patient activity and information on the unit or clinic in accordance with hospital-approved policies and procedures. Functions as a member of the Health Care Team under the direction of the Clinical Manager or designee, performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties. The Unit Secretary is responsible for strong interpersonal and clerical skills that promote quality patient care.

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which guide everyday actions with patients, customers, and colleagues.

In addition, all employees are expected to demonstrate the organization’s core Success Factors, which define how we work together and achieve results:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Clerical Functions

• Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Organize and prioritize workload based on patient and unit/clinic needs.
• Assemble admission charts and disassemble discharge charts per hospital guidelines.
• Accurately file reports and maintain medical records.
• Answer phones and intercoms using proper etiquette; notify appropriate staff as needed.
• Order and maintain office supplies and stock the A–Z file.
• Obtain copies of medical records as indicated.

Computer Systems and Order Entry

• Utilize hospital computer systems accurately to enter, verify, retrieve, and report data.
• Accurately use Patient Links, Nurse Links, Bed Board, MAK MAR, CareVue, and any new systems required for the role.
• Enter verbal orders from physicians within scope, including:
  • Dietary orders
  • Laboratory orders
  • Radiology orders (diagnostic X-rays only)
  • Admission status, transfer, provider, and service changes
• Enter verbal nursing orders as permitted by protocol or existing physician orders.
• Transcribe handwritten physician orders and handwritten chemotherapy orders per hospital protocol.
• Fax medication orders to pharmacy and enter remaining orders into appropriate departments.
• Report computer and equipment malfunctions to the Help Desk.
• Understand and perform appropriate I.S. downtime procedures.

Patient Coordination and Follow-Up

• Arrange delivery of necessary equipment.
• Follow up on ordered diagnostic tests and document scheduling details, including required preparations.
• Hold trays or initiate NPO status when appropriate.
• Arrange follow-up appointments and document on the Continuity of Care form.
• Coordinate and distribute Continuity of Care documentation, including faxing to Home Care Services when indicated and filing in the medical record.
• Print forms from Life Links as needed.

Communication, Safety, and Compliance

• Page physicians and staff via hospital paging systems, alpha paging, emergency operator, and code paging when necessary.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities in unit/clinic operations and patient care delivery; support process improvement initiatives.
• Report unsafe situations to the Professional Nurse or Clinical Manager.
• Promote safety on the unit.
• Adhere to established hospital and unit standards, including policies related to attendance, badging, mandatory education, fire safety, infection control, credentialing, HIPAA, and confidentiality.

Education and Professional Development

• Attend required education sessions and access the Patient Services website.

• Maintain competencies through annual mandatory competency validation and mandatory/safety education.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Knowledge

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage a variety of complex clerical responsibilities.
• Basic computer proficiency required.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to support patient care across the lifespan, with consideration of aging processes, developmental stages, and cultural patterns in care delivery.

Experience

• Preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Typical patient‑care environment.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and sitting.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None

Pay Range:

$21.09-$22.04

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

4 8hr shifts every other weekend and holiday

Work Shift:

Evening

Driving Required:

No

Union:

International Brotherhood Teamsters