Overview
Description
The Ward Clerk functions under the direction and supervision of the supervisor/registered nurse to perform assigned general clerical duties which may include preparing, compiling, maintaining records on the nursing unit; demonstrating proficiency and accuracy. The Ward Clerk is assigned to receive and transmit communication to appropriate persons, process physician’s orders, complete required documents specific to patient care procedures, maintain patient census report, file reports of diagnostic/therapeutic services in the patient record, obtain/delivers items as needed, and maintains stock inventory.
Responsibilities
- Subject to review by the staff nurse, consistently and legibly transcribes physician’s orders from patient charts to nursing records and medication sheets. When several charts need processing, scan all of them to get any “Stat Orders” first.
- Ensures the phone is attended at all times. Answer the telephone with courtesy and make appropriate transfers of calls to proper location or persons. Takes messages when appropriate. Consistently utilizes the telephone system correctly, using established phone procedures and etiquette. Always identify yourself when answering the phone.
- Acts as a receptionist. Asks visitors how they can be helped and directs them appropriately to patient’s room and other hospital departments.
- Keeps nurses station tidy and organized.
- Fax information with the fax machine at the nurse’s station. Place any faxed material in the appropriate chart or department.
- Operate the radio at the nurse’s station. Know how to use the pager system via the radio and phone.
- Notifies patient’s nurse, or other nurse if call light has been on longer than 5 minutes.
- Places lab work, X-ray reports on patient’s charts in a timely manner after the nurse has reviewed and initiated them.
- Adds extra chart forms (i.e., doctor’s orders, progress notes, nurse’s notes, and graphic forms when needed).
- Notifies nurse when monitor alarms go off. Looks at monitor to see if patient leads are off or battery needs to be replaced.
- Notifies lab for any new orders or any specific time draws as ordered by the doctor. Follows up with the lab if the time frame has come and gone to ensure the order has not been overlooked.
- Makes appropriate copies of charts for transfer of a patient to another facility. Ensures discharge forms are on chart for doctor and nurse to fill out.
- Makes out and keeps up to date the call list for physicians and staff in other departments.
- May need to call surgery staff in for emergency surgery. This should be done under the direction of the house supervisor only after the primary physician has contacted the anesthesiologist.
Professional Requirements
- Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
- Completes annual organization-required and/or job-required educational requirements.
- Maintains regulatory requirements.
- Wears identification while on duty.
- Attends staff meetings and/or reads all meeting minutes.
- Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
- Maintains employee/patient confidentiality.
- Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
- Participates in the department’s performance improvement activities.
- Demonstrates the mission, ethics, and goals of the organization as well as the departmental Scope of Service.
- Communication with patients, guests, family, and staff is courteous, respectful, and helpful.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and accident-free environment.
- Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.
Environmental/Safety and Compliance
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Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
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Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
- Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.
- Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
- Responds appropriately to any Codes while working any shift (Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, and Rapid Response Team).
- Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e., personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participates in quality initiatives as needed.
- Be familiar with and comply with the Mid-Valley Hospital & Clinic Personnel Handbook and Policies.
- Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement (Union Contract) of the UFCW3000 and Mid-Valley Hospital.
Requirements
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION: None
Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. however, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience using general office equipment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Training in medical terminology.
- Must have legible handwriting.
The above job summary and essential job functions are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel for this job classification.
Mid-Valley Hospital offers a benefit package. This includes accrued vacation time in the amount of .076923 vacation hours per hour worked. Accrued sick leave at an accrual of .04615 per hour, Life insurance and a profit-sharing plan. We also offer medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees can enroll in a 403(b) deferred compensation plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Wage
$18.82 - 27.71/hour DOE