Unit Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides indirect patient care in the behavioral healthcare setting. Meets the communication needs of the patient/family, departmental staff and medical staff. Prepares and compiles records for the unit. Upholds system and organization in the nurse station, giving assistance to the assigned clinical staff in the unit. Performs assigned secretarial and clerical tasks. Participates in performance improvement activities.

REPORTS TO: Nursing Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School graduate or equivalent. Associates Degree preferred.
• 1 or more years of previous similar hospital experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English
• Basic computer knowledge
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

AGE(s) OF PATIENTS SERVED AND AGE-SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY:

• Adult Population: Age 18 and up
• No specific clinical competencies required

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as receptionist for unit/floor.
• Answers telephone and provides information or relays messages to staff.
• Compiles and reconciles daily census of patients.
• Prepares and assembles health records on new admissions.
• Initiates labeled health records on admission (verifying patient demographic information for accuracy)
• Maintains health records in an orderly manner. Keep charts supplied with needed form.s
• Ensures all charts/documents are labeled with proper patient identification.
• Regularly audits health records and flags documents to secure signatures.
• Requests HIM Department to thin/purge charts when necessary.
• Prepares and processes health records for discharge/transfer. Makes appropriate copies for various departments (Nursing, Utilization Review, Billing, and Partial Hospitalization Program).
• Collects loose filing for those discharge health records and inserts such filing in proper health record.
• Stocks all forms and checks weekly in order to maintain supply, verifying that the most current version of the form is in circulation.
• Keeps nursing station clean and uncluttered on a daily basis.
• Keeps desk stocked with needed clerical supplies.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment by communicating with appropriate staff and departments.
• Makes up admission packets (minimum of ten on hand at all times).
• Documents in log book daily lab results received. Notifies charge RN/LPN if information is missing. Lab work reports are filed in lab section of chart after medical staff (M.D/ PA-C/NP) reviews and signs.
• Performs clerical and other duties as assigned by HIM Director, including assisting all professional and management staff, as required.