Unit Secretary-Emergency Room Full Time Midshift

Northwestern Medicine; Palos Park (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Unit Secretary to support nursing units by handling clerical duties and ensuring smooth communication under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse.

Responsibilities include accurate data entry in Meditech, aiding in patient and family communication, and maintaining confidentiality while upholding CARE standards. The role emphasizes teamwork and adherence to hospital policies and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• General clerical skills and typing ability required.
• Some medical background and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of computer and printer operations and features preferred.

Responsibilities

• Creates a positive first impression by greeting customers, remains calm under pressure, is polite and friendly, and responds to customer needs promptly.
• Keeps patients, families, staff informed of delays and communicates that they are a priority.
• Respectful of different cultures, rituals, and beliefs and maintains patient confidentiality.
• Demonstrates teamwork and helps onboard new staff to become part of the team.
• Accurate order entry in Meditech and admission medication reconciliation.

Skills

General clerical skills

Typing ability

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Meditech

Computer and printer operations

Job description

Description

See what our staff have to say about working at Northwestern Medicine! It Takes a Team!

The Unit Secretary reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Unit Secretary maintains organization and communication within the nursing unit through the execution of all clerical functions under the direct supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Creates a positive first impression by: Immediately acknowledging and greeting customers, remains calm under pressure, always polite and friendly dealing with customers, and responds to customer needs in a timely and accurate manner.
• Keeps patients/families/staff informed of delays, takes action to let patients/families/staff know they are our top priority.
• Respectful of different cultures, rituals, religious beliefs.
• Respects confidentiality of patient, coworker, visitor information.
• Volunteers to pitch in to help others. Demonstrates teamwork.
• Welcomes new staff and help them to become part of the team.
• Shares expertise with others. (This includes other units)
• IncorporatesCARE standards into daily practice.
• Manages personal emotional response to maintain professional demeanor and integrity.
• Exhibits behaviors consistent with service excellence.
• Seeks resolutions to problems and seeks out management assistance when needed.
• Accurate order entry in Meditech.
• Accurate entry of Nursing Home medications into admission medication reconciliation.
• Accurate chart assembly.
• Attends annual in-services on Safety, Infection Control and hospital exposure control plan related to Blood Borne Pathogens.
• Avoids hazardous situations by using proper body mechanics.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient care information.
• Attends in-service and staff meetings related to Unit Secretaries. Keeps current with changes by reading Nursing updates, Informatics Newsletters, and posted memos.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures (i.e., dress code).
• Maintains all areas of the nursing station in a neat and orderly manner. Orders and maintains adequate amount of clerical supplies for the efficient functioning of the nursing unit.
• Initiates, updates and maintains Patient/ unit communication tools ( i.e., Daily Floor Census Record, Sign out Sheets)
• Checks Pneumatic tube station frequently. Addresses contents of received tubes in a timely manner
• Demonstrates proper phone etiquette (i.e. identifies self, is polite and courteous, puts call on hold while waiting for staff to answer, etc) and reestablishes contact with caller while on hold.
• Takes phone messages and relays messages to the appropriate staff in a timely manner.

This position is full‑time, 72 hours per pay period, mid shift, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with alternating weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Education

• High School graduate.

Behavioral Attributes

• General clerical skills and typing ability required.

Preferred

• Some medical background and knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of computer and printer operations and features

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.