Unit Secretary - Med-Surg
UNC Health Appalachian
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Job summary
UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, NC, seeks a Unit Secretary to act as the communication and administrative hub for the department. The role emphasizes patient care support, accurate documentation, and coordination across clinicians and staff.
Starting at 18.05 per hour, the position requires a high school diploma and BLS certification at hire. Shifts vary, and benefits include comprehensive coverage and retirement plans.
Qualifications
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, physicians, staff, and the public.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency in typing, word processing, data entry, and computer applications.
- Basic mathematical and clerical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Responsibilities
- Perform clerical duties associated with departmental operations.
- Process and maintain documentation, including patient charts, according to UNC Health Appalachian policies.
- Record messages, manage schedules, take notes and meeting minutes, and assist with room scheduling and event planning as requested.
- Maintain organized records and documentation to support efficient operations.
- Answer telephones, call lights, and incoming communications promptly and professionally.
- Receive and direct incoming calls to appropriate personnel.
- Greet visitors, patients, and families in a courteous and professional manner.
- Serve as a communication resource for patients, families, providers, leadership, and team members.
- Provide exceptional customer service consistent with UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Location: Boone, North Carolina | Inpatient Setting | Full-Time | Non-Exempt
As a Unit Secretary at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential role in supporting patient care by serving as the communication and administrative hub for the department. Through exceptional customer service, accurate documentation, and effective coordination, you'll help ensure smooth daily operations while supporting patients, families, providers, and clinical staff.
This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment and enjoys balancing administrative responsibilities with meaningful interactions that contribute to outstanding patient experiences.
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.
Compensation: Starting at $18.05/Hour based on experiance, education and equity within the department.
Schedule: Shifts Vary
Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; employee discounts; and additional employee support programs.
Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.
Status: Non-Exempt
As a Unit Secretary, you'll help coordinate communication, scheduling, and documentation that keeps the department functioning efficiently. You'll work alongside nurses, physicians, leadership, and support staff to create a positive experience for patients and visitors while supporting quality, safety, and service excellence.
Perform clerical duties associated with departmental operations.
Process and maintain documentation, including patient charts, according to UNC Health Appalachian and departmental policies.
Record messages, manage schedules, take notes and meeting minutes, and assist with room scheduling and event planning as requested.
Maintain organized records and documentation to support efficient operations.
Answer telephones, call lights, and incoming communications promptly and professionally.
Receive and direct incoming calls to appropriate personnel.
Greet visitors, patients, and families in a courteous and professional manner.
Serve as a communication resource for patients, families, providers, leadership, and team members.
Provide exceptional customer service consistent with UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Support daily department operations through effective organization and communication.
Assist coworkers, patients, families, and visitors whenever appropriate within role responsibilities.
Respond quickly and accurately during emergency situations in the work environment.
Promote a positive and healthy work environment through professionalism and teamwork.
Demonstrate compassion, respect, and professionalism in all interactions.
Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy standards.
Contribute to top-decile outcomes in patient experience, quality, and patient safety.
Support UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, and Values through accountability, efficiency, and excellent communication.
High School Diploma or GED required.
Advanced coursework in business, office administration, or medical terminology preferred.
One (1) year of prior experience in a medical or office setting preferred.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, physicians, staff, and the public.
Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency in typing, word processing, data entry, and computer applications.
Basic mathematical and clerical skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Professional, personable, and team-oriented approach.
Manual dexterity and mobility required for office and administrative functions.
Prolonged sitting with intermittent standing and walking.
Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.
Near visual acuity required for computer work, documentation, and record review.
Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare environments.
Frequent exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, specimens, and environmental hazards.
May be required to work irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
Continuous sitting or standing for extended periods.
Frequent reading, speaking, writing, and computer work throughout the shift.
Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of items under 30 pounds.
Frequent repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity.
Access tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, and career advancement pathways throughout UNC Health Appalachian.
Support frontline patient care teams by ensuring efficient communication, organization, and coordination throughout the department.
Enjoy the beauty of Boone, North Carolina, with year-round access to hiking, skiing, fishing, local arts, dining, and outdoor recreation.
Boone is home to Appalachian State University and is consistently recognized as one of North Carolina's most desirable mountain communities.
Take advantage of comprehensive healthcare coverage, retirement savings with employer match, wellness resources, employee discounts, and educational assistance.
Join a collaborative healthcare team committed to professionalism, diversity, service excellence, and respect for every team member.
It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade. UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.
UNC Health Appalachian remains committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.
It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while furthering the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognitions for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.
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