A unit secretary is a member of a medical care team who works in a medical facility and performs administrative and support functions. Most unit secretaries work in the various units, wings, or floors of hospitals, and are also known as unit clerks or medical secretaries. Depending on the state and/or country where the medical facility is located, the actual job title, roles, and levels of responsibilities vary from facility to facility. The unit secretary, on the other hand, is expected to perform administrative support functions in a medical setting in all cases.
A unit secretary’s responsibilities include entering patient information into the hospital computer, such as admission information, physician orders, and other pertinent information. They also take calls, direct visitors, retrieve supplies, and assist medical personnel who provide direct patient care. While unit secretaries are not directly involved in patient care, they are expected to support those who are.
Each hospital or facility will have its own set of training and education requirements for unit secretaries. Most cases necessitate some level of medical administrative training or experience. Some facilities may require unit secretaries to have prior experience in a medical setting, while others may require completion of a certificate or degree program in health information technology. Some hospitals have been known to provide unit secretaries or clerks with training.
Knowledge of medical facility operations, computer skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to be helpful and supportive are all required skills for a unit secretary. Unit secretaries are responsible for ensuring that patient records are accurate and up to date, working with nurses to communicate with other staff members, and organizing admissions and discharge procedures for patients in order to help a hospital unit or department run efficiently and smoothly. Direct care staff can rely on them to help fill orders and maintain unit supplies.
Unit secretaries in many hospitals have allied health education and training, and some are even pursuing careers in direct patient care. Although an interest in health care is obviously required for this position, some people find the working environment stressful. A position as a unit secretary or clerk may be a good fit for those who want to pursue a medical career but aren’t sure which field to pursue. Working in an administrative support role in a hospital unit provides insight into the inner workings of acute care facilities and valuable experience for those interested in pursuing a career in medicine.