Summary
LITTLETON REGIONAL HEALTHCARE POSITION SUMMARY
JOB TITLE:
Health Unit Coordinator
Flsa
Exempt
Non-Exempt
Department
Emergency Department
Grade
SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Our mission is to provide patients with the highest possible quality of healthcare within an atmosphere of genuine caring. This includes recognition of the importance of quality customer service to patients, visitors, and staff. The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) displays sensitivity and empathy to the needs of patients, visitors and members of the Littleton Regional Healthcare staff. The Emergency Department Health Unit Coordinator provides direct and indirect patient care to all patient types appropriate to the Emergency Department.
The Emergency Room HUC role is to assist in the patient flow of the Emergency Department. This includes providing delegated and assigned tasks under the supervision of the nurses and providers in the department. The position requires well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on promoting customer service. Computer skills are necessary. The ED HUC must be self-directed and self-motivated in performing daily tasks as well as possessing the ability to work as part of a team. The ED HUC must be able to respond appropriately with alertness and adaptability to a fluctuating patient census under stressful situations. The ideal candidate will be either an AEMT or MA with 1+ years of experience in these roles.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
- Supports and contributes to the Mission and Vision of Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) with a continuous focus on excellence in customer service.
- Establishes and maintains a professional relationship with patients, visitors, staff, physicians and the community.
- Assures confidentiality of patient information at all times.
- Assesses personal learning and professional growth needs and seeks educational opportunities to meet those needs.
- Performs other duties as needed within the scope of practice in support of departmental and institutional needs and requirements.
Independent Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND WORK ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Employs written policies and procedures according to the LRH Nursing Department
- Participates and promotes environmental safety
- Participates in in-house educational programs
- Performs independently and functions in a professional manner
- Responsible for specific daily functions in the operation of the nursing unit
- Maintains patient charts and enter charges according to established policy
- Under supervision of the Nurses on duty, enters orders into the computer
- Transcribes orders according to hospital policy. Obtains clinical information (height, weight, allergies) and enters them into the EMR
- Appropriately and timely discharge of the patient for the EMR and breaks down the medical record according to hospital policy
- Assists the nursing department teams with copying, phone calls, chart retrieval and other duties as assigned
- Assists with patient interfacility transfers
- Assists with admission of patients to ICU and Med/Surg including bed coordination and physical movement of patient out of department.
- Assists patients and families with phone calls as needed
- Promotes positive staff team building and customer service by displaying tact, patience, courtesy and respect when interacting with patients, visitor and staff
- Able to respond appropriately to hospital codes by utilizing the paging and beeper systems according to hospital policy
UNIT LEADERSHIP
- Provides support and functions as a resource for the department
- Recognizes educational needs and facilitates professional growth
- Communicates concerns regarding issues and variances from expected job performance to direct supervisor
- Participates in orientation of new personnel and functions as a resource for assigned unit
- Participates in the continuous Quality Improvement of the unit and Nursing Department through
- Data collection/auditing
- Incident investigation
- Committee involvement
- Professional collaboration
- Participates in a minimum of three inservice programs per year to include at least one each on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Infection Control and Safety
- Participates in evaluation of annual performance appraisal of self with nurse manager or supervisor
PROBABILITY AND CONSEQUENCES OF ERRORs
- Errors in practice can result in negative patient outcome. Individual practice affects probability of error. Poor performance in meeting job description criteria will be addressed according to established progressive disciplinary polices and procedures of Littleton Regional Hospital.
CLINICAL: PROFESSIONAL/SELF GOVERNANCE
- Attendance of monthly staff meetings
- Cross training to appropriate areas
- Unit Matrix Responsibilities, including Mock Codes, Mock Traumas and Review/Follow-up of events
REPORTS TO: Clinical Director of Critical Care Services
SUPERVISES: None
Qualifications
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS:
Experience/Specialized Skills
- High school diploma
- Medical Secretary - preferred
- 1-2 years previous clinical experience preferred
Required Education/Course(s)/Training
BLS
Preferred Certification/Registration
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
See Physical Demands worksheet
Work Environment
APPROVED BY:
