Unit Secretary - IMCU

Unc-Health-Appalachian; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Wellness incentives

Retirement plan

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian is seeking an Inpatient Unit Secretary for the Watauga Medical Center IMCU in Boone, NC. This full-time night shift position supports the daily operations of an inpatient unit, handling clerical tasks, patient documentation, and communications among patients, families, nurses, and physicians.

The role emphasizes organization, accuracy, confidentiality, and teamwork in a fast-paced hospital environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Advantageous to have basic medical terminology knowledge.
• Experience with hospital or clinical office environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clerical and administrative support for the inpatient unit.
• Process and maintain patient documentation and charts per policy.
• Answer phones, screen calls, and relay messages to care team.
• Assist with room scheduling, minutes, and meetings as requested.
• Maintain an organized nursing station and unit environment.
• Support patient communication and help ensure timely information flow.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Typing skills

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Medical terminology knowledge

Job description

Watauga Medical Center · IMCU - Intermediate Care Unit

Full-time , Nights , 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Unit Secretary – Inpatient

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting (IMCU)| Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Inpatient Unit Secretary at UNC Health Appalachian, you will be an essential part of the care team, helping keep a busy inpatient unit organized, connected, and running efficiently. You’ll serve as a central point of communication for patients, families, nurses, physicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team while providing the clerical and administrative support needed for smooth day-to-day patient care operations.

This role is ideal for an organized, service-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced hospital environment, can confidently manage multiple priorities, and enjoys supporting both patients and the clinical team. While this is not primarily a direct patient care role, your work directly contributes to communication, coordination, patient experience, and the overall efficiency of the inpatient unit.

Compensation:Starting at $16.45/hour based on education, experience, and internal equity

Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; and additional employee support programs. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation. Assistance with CNA program costs is available as this is intended to be a career pathway.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You’ll Do as an Inpatient Unit Secretary

Provide clerical and administrative support for the daily operations of an inpatient hospital unit.

Process and maintain patient documentation and charts in accordance with UNC Health Appalachian and departmental policies.

Answer unit telephones and patient call lights and appropriately receive, screen, and direct communications.

Record and relay messages accurately and promptly to nurses, physicians, and other members of the care team.

Assist with maintaining schedules, coordinating rooms, taking notes or minutes, and supporting unit meetings or activities as requested.

Help maintain an organized and efficient nursing station and unit environment.

Patient Care Communication & Coordination

Serve as a key communication link among patients, families, nurses, physicians, ancillary departments, leadership, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.

Greet patients, families, visitors, and team members promptly and courteously.

Communicate information accurately, professionally, and within the scope of the Unit Secretary role.

Support the timely flow of information needed for patient care and unit operations.

Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and respect for the dignity, privacy, and individual needs of each patient and family.

Assist patients, families, visitors, and coworkers when appropriate and within the scope of the position.

Patient Experience & Safety

Support a positive inpatient experience through responsive communication, organization, and exceptional customer service.

Respond quickly and appropriately to urgent situations and emergencies within the work environment, following established procedures and the appropriate chain of command.

Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality when handling patient information and communications.

Perform responsibilities under direct supervision and seek assistance when needs fall outside the scope of the position.

Contribute to an environment focused on patient safety, quality, and reliable care delivery.

Teamwork & Unit Operations

Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, clinical support staff, and other departments to support efficient inpatient operations.

Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, accountability, and effective communication in daily work.

Manage multiple requests and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, coworkers, physicians, leadership, and other UNC Health Appalachian team members.

Contribute to a healthy, respectful, and team-focused work environment.

Demonstrate UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values through daily interactions and responsibilities.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required

Advanced coursework in business or medical terminology preferred

Experience

One (1) year of prior experience in a medical or office setting preferred

Previous experience in a hospital, inpatient, or other healthcare environment preferred

Licensure & Certifications

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, visitors, nurses, physicians, staff, and the public

Ability to follow the appropriate chain of command and use effective verbal and non-verbal communication

Strong commitment to patient-centered service and an exceptional patient experience

Strong typing, computer, word-processing, and basic mathematical skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, requests, and priorities in a fast-paced inpatient environment

Ability to remain organized and responsive when unit priorities or patient needs change

Personable, professional, and collaborative approach

Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling patient and clinical information

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity and mobility

Prolonged or extensive sitting with periods of standing and walking

Ability to bend, squat, twist, and turn

Near visual acuity for patient documentation, computer work, and other detailed tasks

Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull less than 30 pounds as needed

Frequent hand, finger, and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity

Work is performed within an inpatient hospital environment with regular interaction with patients, families, clinical staff, physicians, and visitors.

Regular exposure to the potential risk of bloodborne diseases and other clinical environmental hazards.

Frequent exposure to electrical, mechanical, and powered equipment, chemicals, specimens, and other healthcare-related conditions.

May require irregular hours based on inpatient operational needs, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requires the ability to respond appropriately during urgent and emergency situations.

May require continuous sitting or standing for extended periods during the shift.

Periods of walking or standing may exceed two hours per shift.

Frequent speaking, reading, writing, and computer-based work.

Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.

Requires the ability to hear soft voices from more than three feet away.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail].