Health Unit Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The Health Unit Coordinator supports the mission of providing quality healthcare to the patients of WhidbeyHealth Hospital and Clinics by ensuring the efficient flow of communication and coordination of the non-clinical operations of the patient care area they are assigned to. The Health Unit Coordinator is an essential part of the patient care team and may be responsible for maintaining and organizing patient records, monitoring telemetry units, answering incoming calls and inquiries to the department, and working in tandem with other healthcare professionals on the unit to ensure the delivery of quality patient care. In addition, the Health Unit Coordinator is expected to demonstrate professional behavior, display appropriate conduct and show consideration, respect and patience towards all patients, families, and other staff members.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

In-Patient Nursing & ICU (HUC II, III)

• Ensures effective communication within the patient care area and the facility to include, but not limited to the following:

• Relays patients, physician or staff needs to the appropriate personnel.
• Identifies potential safety hazards and initiates remedial actions.
• Communicates the changing needs of the unit to the charge nurse, Administrative Supervisor, Unit Manager or designee.
• Coordinates communication of healthcare personnel to include nurses and physicians, patients, relatives, visitors, and all other hospital departments (i.e. Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Respiratory Therapy).
• Responds to alarm systems to include door alarms, fire panel, and O2 and N2O2 alarms, reports the alarm to the appropriate department.
• Pages all overhead codes as well as monitors for activation of PSD devices throughout the facility and responds according to department policy and procedure.
• Answers all incoming calls to the unit promptly and professionally.
• Refers calls and accepts messages. Communicates information accurately and appropriately.
• In lieu of Switchboard Operator or Patient Registrar, responsible for answering all incoming calls to the facility in the evening/nighttime hours.

• Provides clerical support to the department to include, but not limited to the following:

• Demonstrates the ability to access all functions on the computer to support the department functions to include order entry, discharge/transfer of a patient, rebooting, and reporting a malfunction.
• Knowledgeable of, and able to operate efficiently and effectively, during downtime procedures.
• Able to operate and maintain department equipment including copier and fax machine.
• Ensures adequate stock of non-clinical supplies and orders stock and non-stock items using appropriate systems or forms.
• Maintains general organization of the nursing station in a clean, quiet, uncluttered, safe and secure manner.
• Provides a comprehensive hand off of all pertinent information to the oncoming shift.

• Monitors telemetry units to include, but not limited to the following:

• Runs telemetry strips twice per shift and can accurately interpret the strips for patient care staff.
• Identifies rhythm; responds to all alarms and immediately notifies registered nurse or physician of significant change, condition or rhythm.
• Monitors other alarms and call lights as requested.

Health Unit Coordinators assigned to the In-Patient Nursing and ICU units are eligible to move to a Health Unit Coordinator III after the completion of three (3) consecutive years as a Health Unit Coordinator II in In-Patient Nursing with the proven ability to perform all essential functions and competencies of the position with no recent performance improvement documentation on file.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Highest level of education completed, minimum high school diploma or equivalent required. Additional coursework in telemetry monitoring strongly preferred.

Training and Experience

Two (2) years of related experience required which could include medical front office experience, or prior experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

All Health Unit Coordinators hired for In-Patient Nursing and ICU are required to obtain telemetry monitoring certification within 90 days of hire.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of medical terminology as applicable to the position.
• Must have the ability to interpret medical orders with attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to be highly organized and multi-task at various workstations and settings.
• Must be able to remain calm and cooperative in a stressful work environment and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Must possess effective professional interpersonal skills as well as excellent service skills in all interactions with the ability to communicate effectively on the phone, in person and in writing.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees in the organization, take direction, and can build and maintain inter-and-intradepartmental relationships.
• Must be able to plan, prioritize and organize work assigned within communicated deadlines.

Health & Well-Being You Can Count On

We offer a thoughtful, comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family at every stage of life:

• Medical Coverage – HDHP w/HSA / PPO
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental Options – PPO / Managed-Care Plan
• Vision Benefits – VSP
• Life & AD&D Insurance – Employer paid coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage – Employer paid income Protection
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – If enrolled in HDHP
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Dependent & Healthcare
• Employee & Provider Assistance Programs – Free, confidential support
• Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance – Additional employee paid buy up option
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability Coverage – Additional employee paid buy up option