Unit Secretary IMCU
Job Summary
Unit Secretary Inpatient
Location: Boone North Carolina Inpatient Setting (IMCU) Non-Exempt
Why Youll Love Working Here
As an Inpatient Unit Secretary at UNC Health Appalachian you will be an essential part of the care team helping keep a busy inpatient unit organized connected and running efficiently. Youll serve as a central point of communication for patients families nurses physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team while providing the clerical and administrative support needed for smooth day-to-day patient care operations.
This role is ideal for an organized service-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced hospital environment can confidently manage multiple priorities and enjoys supporting both patients and the clinical team. While this is not primarily a direct patient care role your work directly contributes to communication coordination patient experience and the overall efficiency of the inpatient unit.
Compensation:Starting at $16.45/hour based on education experience and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; and additional employee support programs. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation. Assistance with CNA program costs is available as this is intended to be a career pathway.
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains Boone North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation vibrant community living and outstanding quality of life.
What Youll Do as an Inpatient Unit Secretary
Inpatient Unit & Administrative Support
Provide clerical and administrative support for the daily operations of an inpatient hospital unit.
Process and maintain patient documentation and charts in accordance with UNC Health Appalachian and departmental policies.
Answer unit telephones and patient call lights and appropriately receive screen and direct communications.
Record and relay messages accurately and promptly to nurses physicians and other members of the care team.
Assist with maintaining schedules coordinating rooms taking notes or minutes and supporting unit meetings or activities as requested.
Help maintain an organized and efficient nursing station and unit environment.
Patient Care Communication & Coordination
Serve as a key communication link among patients families nurses physicians ancillary departments leadership and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.
Greet patients families visitors and team members promptly and courteously.
Communicate information accurately professionally and within the scope of the Unit Secretary role.
Support the timely flow of information needed for patient care and unit operations.
Demonstrate compassion professionalism and respect for the dignity privacy and individual needs of each patient and family.
Assist patients families visitors and coworkers when appropriate and within the scope of the position.
Patient Experience & Safety
Support a positive inpatient experience through responsive communication organization and exceptional customer service.
Respond quickly and appropriately to urgent situations and emergencies within the work environment following established procedures and the appropriate chain of command.
Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality when handling patient information and communications.
Perform responsibilities under direct supervision and seek assistance when needs fall outside the scope of the position.
Contribute to an environment focused on patient safety quality and reliable care delivery.
Teamwork & Unit Operations
Work collaboratively with nurses physicians clinical support staff and other departments to support efficient inpatient operations.
Demonstrate professionalism reliability accountability and effective communication in daily work.
Manage multiple requests and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with patients families coworkers physicians leadership and other UNC Health Appalachian team members.
Contribute to a healthy respectful and team-focused work environment.
Demonstrate UNC Health Appalachians Mission Vision and Values through daily interactions and responsibilities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED required
Advanced coursework in business or medical terminology preferred
Experience
One (1) year of prior experience in a medical or office setting preferred
Previous experience in a hospital inpatient or other healthcare environment preferred
Licensure & Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients families visitors nurses physicians staff and the public
Ability to follow the appropriate chain of command and use effective verbal and non-verbal communication
Strong commitment to patient-centered service and an exceptional patient experience
Strong typing computer word-processing and basic mathematical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks requests and priorities in a fast-paced inpatient environment
Ability to remain organized and responsive when unit priorities or patient needs change
Personable professional and collaborative approach
Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling patient and clinical information
Physical Requirements
Manual dexterity and mobility
Prolonged or extensive sitting with periods of standing and walking
Ability to bend squat twist and turn
Near visual acuity for patient documentation computer work and other detailed tasks
Ability to lift carry push and/or pull less than 30 pounds as needed
Frequent hand finger and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity
Work Environment
Work is performed within an inpatient hospital environment with regular interaction with patients families clinical staff physicians and visitors.
Regular exposure to the potential risk of bloodborne diseases and other clinical environmental hazards.
Frequent exposure to electrical mechanical and powered equipment chemicals specimens and other healthcare-related conditions.
May require irregular hours based on inpatient operational needs including days evenings nights weekends and holidays.
Requires the ability to respond appropriately during urgent and emergency situations.
May require continuous sitting or standing for extended periods during the shift.
Periods of walking or standing may exceed two hours per shift.
Frequent speaking reading writing and computer-based work.
Frequent bending squatting kneeling twisting turning and reaching.
Requires the ability to hear soft voices from more than three feet away.
Frequent close visual work.
About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.
About UNC Health
As part of the University of North Carolina system UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.
Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information contact .
Required Experience:
Junior IC