GENERAL SUMMARY
The Unit Coordinator coordinates the flow of patient activity and information on the unit/practice areas, based upon currently approved policies and procedures recognized by the Medical Center. Functions as a member of the Health Care Team under the direction of the Clinical Nursing Director or designee to perform a variety of clerical duties. The Unit Coordinator is a liaison to all departments and is the key pivotal communication link between multiple disciplines associated with patient care, customer service and the smooth and efficient functioning of the unit. The Unit Coordinator at Tufts Medical Center provides a supportive environment, which fosters the patient and family centered model of care.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- In constant communication with the Admission Discharge Transfer (ADT) Center on the status of all patients, including all transfers, admissions, discharges, bed changes, bed cleaning requests and possible changes made throughout the shift.
- Responsible for review of the bed assignments and relaying this information to the charge nurse.
- Informs nurse, appropriate service, intern, resident, and the ADT Center when new admissions arrive on the unit.
- Assembles charts for admissions and disassembles chart for discharge according to hospital guidelines ensuring all necessary documents are included.
- Prepares and maintains medical records, in accordance to Medical Center standards and policy, including labeling patient name on admission forms, filing all paperwork
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in medical record, sorting EKG’s, x-rays, pathology reports, operative notes, progress notes, consultations, etc., for current, discharged, and transferred patients.- Labels patient names and updates bed boards, bedside charts, and computer information, including diet, condition, allergies, height and weight of new and current patients.
- Transcribes physician orders to appropriate information sites, i.e., Sorian, nursing kardex, MAR (medication administration record), intervention sheet, diet sheet and other documents utilized and completes necessary follow through.
- Promptly answers telephones, triages telephone calls, and call light intercom, using appropriate and approved etiquette, and notifies appropriate staff
- Pages physicians and others via the hospital page system, maximizes the use of alpha paging when appropriate.
- Promptly calls the hospital emergency operator to communicate emergencies using the Medical Center policy.
- Utilizes hospital computer systems accurately to enter orders, verify orders, retrieve data and generate reports. Reports malfunction to help desk.
- Under the direction of the professional nurse, coordinates all appropriate personnel for safe transport of patients.
- Performs all duties and responsibilities particular to each unit as indicated on the individualized duty lists.
- Assists with orientation and training of new unit coordinators as designated by the Nurse Manager in collaboration with the Central Staffing Office.
- Participates on assigned committees and projects within the department or the hospital at the discretion of the Nurse Manager.
- Upholds the standards of performance established by the Department of Patient Care Services at all times.
- Notifies Nurse Manager and Staffing Coordinator if unable to perform any of the above responsibilities.
- Completes other duties as assigned in order to fulfill the requirements of the Unit Coordinator position.
- Provides clear, concise and helpful communication that encourage positive patient, family, visitor and staff experiences
Collaboration: Demonstrates/applies the skills necessary to interact with the health care team in regards to the implementation of the medical/nursing plan of care.
- Accepts assignments positively and resolves issues in a mature manner.
- Promotes open communication with the nursing staff to ensure a positive work environment.
- Conducts self in a kind and courteous manner to patients, families and staff.
- Accepts constructive feedback regarding performance and effects a positive change in a timely fashion.
Environment: Influences others by establishing an environment for optimal patient care, mutually supportive collegial relationships and professional development.
- Maintains attendance in accordance with the Medical Center policy
- Adheres to the Medical Center dress code.
- Maintains a work area that is neat, organized and free of food and beverages.
- Takes breaks/lunch when nursing staff can accommodate coverage.
- Maintain positive customer relations in all interactions.
- Arrives to work on time and remains until the end of scheduled shift.
- Notifies the Nurse Manager or in his/her absence, the charge nurse on the floor and Central Staffing Office of absences according to hospital policy.
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Must have excellent communication skills including understanding extensive medical terminology in such duties as transcribing medication orders.
- High level of interpersonal skills required for interacting effectively and cordially with a wide variety of hospital personnel, visitors and patients.
- Must be able to perform in stressful situations and handle multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining a positive and approachable demeanor.
- Knowledge of computer systems and software with an ability to learn and retain new applications. Knowledge of Microsoft Office useful.
- Utilizes cultural competence training and knowledge of individual needs to enhance patient, family and co-worker’s health care experience.
AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate to the age groups of the population served.
EDUCATION
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum one-year medical/administrative experience preferred
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of computer systems
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
- Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking
- Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
- Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, patients, bodily substances, noise and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, electric shock, etc.
- Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and other transmissible infections
- Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances
- Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
- Subjected to irregular hours
- May have contact with hazardous materials
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home — an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medicine, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.
