HEALTH UNIT COORDINATOR

Position Description:

Under the supervision of Charge Nurse and Department Director, provides indirect patient care to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.  Meets the communication needs of the patient/family, departmental staff, and medical staff.  Prepares and compiles records in the Medical/Surgical Unit and Specialty Care Unit.  Initiates directions from physician and nursing staff.  Participates in performance improvement activities. 

.Minimal Qualifications:

1. Education:  High school diploma or equivalent
2. Experience:  Preferred, but not required.  May obtain on the job.
3. Language Skills:  Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
4. Technical Skills:
   1. a.  Basic computer knowledge.
   2. b.  Basic knowledge of medical terminology.  Ability to multi task is essential.

Physical/Mental Demands:

1. Ability to think and work effectively under stress with frequent interruptions; to move, sit, stand, walk, and bend intermittently throughout the work day.  Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
2. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable the applicant to adequately fulfill the requirements of this position.
3. Use of mechanical and technical equipment required for the responsibilities assigned.
4. External and internal applicants who are/become disabled, must be able to perform the essential position responsibilities with unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case by case basis.

Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens:

Category II – Tasks that may involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

Orientation Period:

Up to 90 days to perform proficiently all essential position responsibilities.  The first ninety (90) days this position is assumed is considered the probationary/introductory period, for which the employee is subject to continuous review.

The essential position responsibilities are the basis for the 90 day and annual evaluation.  This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties required of personnel.

1. Answers all incoming phone calls and patient call lights promptly.
2. Takes and accurately relays messages to staff while maintaining the confidentiality of patient’s protected health information (PHI).
3. Reviews each patient chart to place orders for admissions in the appropriate order.
4. Accurately places any received Doctor’s notes from office on the patient chart.
5. Accurately places documents from other facilities on appropriate patient chart.
6. Logs and keeps records of isolation patients in Infection Control Book.
7. Logs and reports data to Unit Director for patients with pneumonia, CHF and chest pain.
8. Maintains log of specimen orders, adding completion dates when collected.
9. Transports specimen to lab.
10. Logs consults for Surgical Associates and notifies office of consult order.
11. Logs cardiology consult data and forwards unit report to unit director.
12. Arranges transportation for transfers and/or discharges.
13. Schedules and notifies discharged patients of appointments for hospital follow-up appointment with primary care physician.
14. Faxes discharge summaries to patient’s primary care physician upon discharge from hospital.
15. Faxes required patient information to facility accepting patient transfer from hospital.
16. Transfers incoming calls to internal departments as required.
17. Places order for supplies with purchasing as needed.
18. Places order with kitchen for unit’s kitchenette.
19. Calls in order(s) for replacement toner, drum and/or request for maintenance on unit’s copier/scanner.
20. Maintains employee bulletin board on unit, updating monthly birthdays, special events and/or employee events (graduation, marriage, accolades) information.
21. Is dependable in meeting assigned work schedule and completing responsibilities of position, responding quickly to request from nursing staff and physicians.
22. Perform discharge follow up calls to patients.
23. Informs charge nurse/Department Director of any problems/concerns that may affect function of unit.
24. Demonstrates support for the hospital mission/vision and commitment to our patients.
25. Continually seeks ways to improve patient care as well as individual and department efficiency and effectiveness.
26. Presents a professional, accommodating and receptive manner to our patients and his/her visitors demonstrating a willingness to do whatever is necessary to meet their needs.
27. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
28. Seeks job related education, attends required training and 80% of appropriate programs. 
29. Makes phone calls to specialists and hospitals as requested.
30. Accurately prepares copies of information required for patient’s transfer to another facility.
31. Follows infection control practices including hand washing techniques, standard precautions and isolation precautions.
32. Accountable for following scheduled policies and adheres to posted work schedule.
33. Wears Identification Badge at all times while clocked in performing duties of position.
34. Participates in continuing education and attends all departmental staff meetings.
35. Organizes and prioritizes work in a manner consistent with safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.