The Health Unit Clerk performs clerical duties related to patient admission, discharge, and overall department organization, including transcribing physician orders and managing patient data documentation. This role also involves assisting with patient care needs, maintaining collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Requirements summary
The minimum requirement is a High School Diploma or GED. Preferred qualifications include experience in a healthcare setting and knowledge of medical terminology. Candidates must also pass a PA Criminal Record Check.
high schoolPatient AdvocacyPatient SafetyInfection ControlCritical ThinkingPatient Records ManagementTelephone EtiquettePatient RoundsPatient AdmissionPatient DischargeData DocumentationClerical FunctionsPerformance ImprovementPreceptingStaffing CoordinationOrder Entry SystemChart Management
Job description
Job Summary
The Health Unit Clerk will perform clerical functions related to the admission and discharge of patient and to the organization of the department.
Essential Job Functions
Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
Contribute to the delivery of direct and indirect patient care within the parameters established by hospital policy, procedure, protocol and standards of care.
Assist in meeting patient care needs as directed.
Transcribe and enter physician orders via order entry system.
Collect, document and report ongoing patient care data as directed.
Appropriately place reports/results on patient records following review by RN.
Utilize appropriate etiquette when answering the telephone and intercom; take and relay messages appropriately and timely.
Make patient rounds as requested to address patient needs and physical environment.
Assist in developing an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care and improve outcomes.
Obtain resources as needed.
Report to the RN/LPN information regarding the patient's readiness to learn.
Maintain a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care.
Perform chart management functions.
Notify RN promptly of a 'stat' order.
Assist in maintaining appropriate staffing levels by identifying and contacting replacement staff as needed.
Participate in unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer service.
Assist in data collection process as requested.
Recommend modifications for performance improvement.
Demonstrate leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of the unit clerk.
Demonstrate an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
Maintain accountability for actions taken.
Effectively function as a resource person.
Act as a patient advocate.
Perform effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students.
Assist in maintaining/decreasing organizational/department costs.
Assist in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
Assist in continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys.
Adhere to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
Oversee that sufficient and proper supplies are maintained on an assigned unit.
Provide for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies.
Utilize two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care.
Assume appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes.
Respond effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters.
Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in Healthcare setting and medical terminology.
License, Certification & Clearances
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.
LEAN
Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.
AAP/EEO
Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat
X
Extreme Cold
X
Heights
X
Confined Spaces
X: Extreme Noise(>85dB)
X
Mechanical Hazards
X: Use of Vibrating Tools
X: Operates Vehicle (company)
X
Operates Heavy Equipment
X: Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
X
Rotates All Shifts
X: 8 Hours Shifts
X: 10-12 Hours Shifts
X
On-Call
X: Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)
X
Travel Between Sites
X
Direct Patient Care
X
Respirator Protective Equipment
X
Eye Protection
X: Head Protection (hard hat)
X
Hearing Protection
X
Hand Protection
X: Feet, Toe Protection
X
Body Protection
X
Latex Exposure
X
Solvent Exposure
X: Paint (direct use) Exposure
X: Dust (sanding) Exposure
X
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
X: Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
X
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
X: Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
X
Mist Exposure
X: Wax Stripper (direct use)
X
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
X
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
X
Laser Exposure
X
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never: Bending (Stooping)
X
Sitting
X
Walking
X
Climbing Stairs
X
Climbing Ladders
X
Standing
X
Kneeling
X: Squatting (Crouching)
X
Twisting/Turning
X
Keyboard/Computer Operation
X
Gross Grasp
X
Fine Finger Manipulation
X
Hand/Arm Coordination
X
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
X: 10#
Carry
X: 5#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
X: Seeing Near w/Acuity
X: Feeling (Sensation)
X
Color Vision
X
Hearing Clearly
X
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
X
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
X
Reaching Forward
X: Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
10#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle: ###
X: Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
X
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
