Unit Secretary

Merit Health River Region Medical Center; Vicksburg (MS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Health River Region Medical Center is seeking a Unit Secretary to support patient care by handling clerical tasks, greeting patients, and assisting the care team. The role focuses on accurate data entry, calendar management, and timely distribution of reports in a fast-paced hospital setting.

The ideal candidate will have a Unit Secretary or Medical Terminology background and 0–2 years of receptionist/secretarial experience, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and HIPAA confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Unit Secretary course or Medical Terminology course preferred.
• 0-2 years of receptionist or secretarial training required.

Responsibilities

• Accurately enters orders into the computer system and EMR with minimal shortages.
• Answers phones, manages patient records, schedules appointments, and ensures documentation in EMR.
• Maintains patient charts and retrieves/distributes labs, consults, and reports promptly.
• Follows consult procedures, notifies physicians, and assists with labs and patient lists.
• Prioritizes tasks, handles STAT orders and urgent needs promptly.
• Greets and assists patients, coordinates admissions, discharges, and transfers, and facilitates requests.

Skills

Medical terminology

Education

Unit Secretary course

Medical Terminology course

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

The Unit Secretary contributes to high quality, patient-centered care by performing a variety of clerical tasks. The Unit Secretary functions as receptionist for the unit and assists the patient care team while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe environment.

Essential Functions

• Accurately enters orders into the computer system, ensuring minimal shortages.
• Answers phones, manages patient records, schedules appointments, and ensures accurate documentation in the electronic medical records (EMR) system.
• Maintains patient charts and ensure labs, consults, and reports are retrieved and distributed promptly.
• Follows consult procedures accurately, ensuring physicians are notified and patient names are listed correctly. Assists physicians with labs and patient lists.
• Prioritizes tasks effectively, handling STAT orders and urgent needs immediately (e.g., STAT x-rays, repairs).
• Greets and assists patients, coordinates admissions, discharges, and transfers, and facilitates patient requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Unit Secretary course or Medical Terminology course preferred
• 0-2 years of receptionist or secretarial training required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Adept at learning new technologies to perform data entry, manage calendars, and create reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other office-related software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Builds strong relationships at the facility with core customer base (nurses, physicians, core team members, etc.) and facility leadership

Licenses and Certifications

• BCLS - Basic Life Support obtained within 30 days of hire required