Unit Secretary-Emergency Room Full Time Mid Shift

As a Unit Secretary at Northwestern Medicine, you play a vital role in ensuring the nursing unit runs smoothly. Your responsibilities include clerical work under the supervision of the Clinical Nurse Manager, greeting patients and families, managing communications, and maintaining an organized nursing station. You will provide essential support to both patients and healthcare staff.

To apply for the Unit Secretary position at Northwestern Medicine, you should be a high school graduate with general clerical skills and typing abilities. While a medical background and knowledge of medical terminology are preferred, they're not mandatory. The key is to be a team player who is ready to learn and grow within our organization.

The Unit Secretary role at Northwestern Medicine is a full-time mid shift position, specifically from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You will also be required to work alternating weekends and holidays. This schedule allows for a balanced work-life experience while contributing to patient care during vital hours.

Working as a Unit Secretary at Northwestern Medicine comes with a range of competitive benefits. You can expect offerings like tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, a 401(k) matching plan, and lifecycle benefits that enrich your employment experience. We prioritize the well-being of our employees just as much as we do for our patients.

Northwestern Medicine fosters a strong culture of teamwork among its employees. As a Unit Secretary, you will be encouraged to demonstrate teamwork by helping your colleagues, welcoming new staff, and sharing your expertise. We believe that collaboration leads to better patient care and a more enjoyable workplace.

The work environment for a Unit Secretary at Northwestern Medicine is fast-paced and dynamic, especially in the Emergency Room. You’ll be surrounded by dedicated professionals committed to patient care, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Your ability to remain calm and organized amidst challenges is essential to thriving in this environment.

As a Unit Secretary at Northwestern Medicine, you will receive comprehensive training to help you excel in your role. This includes annual in-services on safety, infection control, and bloodborne pathogens, along with ongoing training sessions to keep you informed about the latest nursing updates and policies.

To effectively prioritize tasks during a busy shift, I first assess the urgent needs of patients and staff. I would focus on communication—keeping everyone informed of delays and addressing their immediate needs—while also managing clerical duties. Time management and flexibility are crucial in quickly shifting my focus based on priority.

In difficult situations, I maintain a calm demeanor and actively listen to the concerns of patients or families. Empathy is key here. I work to find a solution or provide updates and ensure they feel heard. If the situation escalates, I would involve a manager or nurse to provide additional support.

While my direct experience with medical terminology is limited, I have driven myself to learn the basics related to my duties. I familiarize myself with terms that appear in patient charts and orders, which helps me ensure accurate order entry and effective communication with the medical staff.

Maintaining confidentiality is a top priority for me. I do this by adhering to HIPAA regulations and institutional policies, refraining from discussing patient information in public areas, and ensuring that documents containing sensitive information are securely stored or disposed of properly.

I want to work for Northwestern Medicine because I share a commitment to providing outstanding patient care. The organization’s patient-first approach resonates with me, and I appreciate its emphasis on employee growth, teamwork, and a positive work environment dedicated to better healthcare.

In a fast-paced environment, I manage stress by maintaining a structured routine. I keep a checklist of tasks, which helps me stay organized. I also practice deep-breathing techniques or take brief moments to refocus when necessary. Communication with my team helps too—it creates a support system for all.

If I observe a breach of confidentiality, I would immediately report it to my supervisor or the relevant department in accordance with hospital protocols. It’s important to address such issues promptly to maintain trust with patients and adhere to ethical standards.

To ensure effective communication with the nursing team, I prioritize clear, concise updates during staff meetings and through written communication tools like bulletin boards or sign-out sheets when necessary. Using active listening ensures I understand their needs and expectations.

In a previous position, I went above and beyond by proactively training a new team member. I took the time to create a structured orientation process for them, ensuring they felt welcomed and supported. This not only benefited them but also strengthened our team's morale.

I believe the most important quality for a Unit Secretary is strong communication skills. Being the bridge between patients, families, and the medical team requires clarity and empathy to ensure all parties are informed and cared for effectively. This, along with organizational skills, creates a successful unit atmosphere.