Description
Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St.Francis also delivers advanced heart,orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.
Job Summary
The Unit Secretary performs a combination of administrative, clerical, and supportive patient care duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in an acute care hospital setting. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the operational flow of the unit by supporting healthcare providers, facilitating communication among departments, and assisting with non-clinical patient care tasks. The Unit Secretary ensures a clean, safe, and organized environment and maintains accurate records and communication systems.
Essential Functions
- Greets and assists patients, visitors, and staff in a courteous and professional manner
- Answers, screens, and routes telephone calls; pages overhead and calls codes as necessary
- Assists with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers
- Maintains and updates patient charts and medical records
- Orders, stocks, and organizes unit supplies and equipment
- Provides supportive care under the supervision of nursing staff (e.g., hygiene, nutrition, mobility assistance)
- Transports patients and specimens within the hospital
- Assists with patient room setup and turnover, including cleaning and linen changes
- Helps with patient identification and orientation to the unit
- Follows infection control and safety procedures, including proper disposal and equipment sanitation
- Participates in hospital safety practices, including huddles, briefs, debriefs, and use of learning boards
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Strong critical thinking, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to read and write legibly and follow directions accurately
- Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare team
- Must remain calm and function effectively under stressful or emergency situations
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to care for diverse patient populations
- Physical ability to perform tasks including standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and transporting patients
- Familiarity with standard precautions and infection control practices
- Comfortable using computer systems and electronic health records
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of a nursing assistant or medical office assistant program preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within timeframe specified in facility policy.
- Registration with the State Board of Nursing Aide Registry preferred.
Experience
- Prior experience in a hospital or patient care setting preferred.
- Successful completion of hospital orientation and competency requirements is required.