Unit Secretary

ScionHealth; Selma, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, AL is seeking a Unit Secretary to support administrative, clerical, and basic patient care tasks under RN supervision. The role ensures smooth unit operations, accurate records, and effective interdepartmental communication within a 175-bed community hospital.

Responsibilities include greeting patients, handling calls, admissions/discharges, chart maintenance, and stocking supplies while following infection control practices and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• BLS certification within facility policy timeframe.
• State Nursing Aide Registry registration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients, visitors, and staff in a courteous, professional manner.
• Answer, screen, and route calls; page as needed.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• Maintain and update patient charts and records.
• Order, stock, and organize unit supplies and equipment.
• Provide supportive care under nursing supervision (hygiene, nutrition, mobility).
• Transport patients and specimens within the hospital.
• Assist with patient room setup and turnover; ensure cleanliness and linens.

Skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Reading & writing

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Infection control

Electronic health records

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Join Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, AL, a 175-bed, Joint Commission–accredited community hospital that serves as a critical healthcare hub in the region. Vaughan delivers a full complement of hospital services, including emergency care, to the Black Belt area of southern Alabama. As part of ScionHealth, Vaughan combines system strength with strong local impact so that you can make your mark where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

The Unit Secretary performs a combination of administrative, clerical, and supportive patient care duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in an acute care hospital setting. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the operational flow of the unit by supporting healthcare providers, facilitating communication among departments, and assisting with non-clinical patient care tasks. The Unit Secretary ensures a clean, safe, and organized environment and maintains accurate records and communication systems.

Essential Functions

• Greets and assists patients, visitors, and staff in a courteous and professional manner
• Answers, screens, and routes telephone calls; pages overhead and calls codes as necessary
• Assists with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers
• Maintains and updates patient charts and medical records
• Orders, stocks, and organizes unit supplies and equipment
• Provides supportive care under the supervision of nursing staff (e.g., hygiene, nutrition, mobility assistance)
• Transports patients and specimens within the hospital
• Assists with patient room setup and turnover, including cleaning and linen changes
• Helps with patient identification and orientation to the unit
• Follows infection control and safety procedures, including proper disposal and equipment sanitation
• Participates in hospital safety practices, including huddles, briefs, debriefs, and use of learning boards

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong critical thinking, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to read and write legibly and follow directions accurately
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare team
• Must remain calm and function effectively under stressful or emergency situations
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to care for diverse patient populations
• Physical ability to perform tasks including standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and transporting patients
• Familiarity with standard precautions and infection control practices
• Comfortable using computer systems and electronic health records

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role. (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within timeframe specified in facility policy.
• Registration with the State Board of Nursing Aide Registry preferred.

Experience

• Prior experience in a hospital or patient care setting preferred.
• Successful completion of hospital orientation and competency requirements is required.