Unit Secretary, Med-Surg

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare in Columbus, GA, part of the ScionHealth network, is seeking a Unit Secretary to support administrative and basic patient-care tasks under RN supervision. You will help maintain unit flow, manage charts, and coordinate with departments to ensure safety and efficiency.

The role emphasizes courteous patient interactions, accurate record-keeping, and adherence to infection control practices, with opportunities to contribute to a high-standard hospital environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Helps with patient room setup and turnover, including cleaning and linen changes.
• Supports infection control and safety practices.

Skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Infection control

Electronic health records

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

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.