First CNA Job, plus

Are they sending you to any unit secretary classes?

I know in my hospital they like to cross train a lot of techs to be unit clerks and I find that to be a little odd since the two jobs seem very different from each other. Plus they don't get a cent more for being both either.

No there aren't any classes involved, just on the job training, which is a little confusing since there is a lot to learn in being a unit secretary. I can learn pretty well on my own if I have a book to help, without might take a little longer.

I am offering my humble opinion on the subject, I think on the job training is the most ideal situation for learning the role of unit secretary. Primarily because as a US, one needs to learn how to be one first on the unit and then in the facility as a whole. Wherever assigned these duties much of the US job is very specific to the charting and computer systems unique to an employer: facilitating orders, managing supplies, coordinating assignments or transportation, preparing documentation, etc. Not sure what literature exists to help you acclimate to the role, but just thought I would share why you are likely being trained in this fashion.

This role is wonderful for reinforcing medical terminology, familiarizing oneself with physician's orders, understanding the dynamics on a health care team, and most of all ... USs are more likely than anyone to be able to actually READ physician handwriting.

Trust yourself to learn "as you go" and ask for more support if you feel you need it. Good luck in nursing school.

To the OP - congrats on your new job and would you PLEASE give us a nice long post on your job and what it entails. I don't have any advice to add, but I am extremely in getting a position doing exactly what you are doing and any advice you can offer would be incredibly appreciated!

I think that the US position is so specific to each facility that there really couldn't be an effective textbook. All facilities I've ever seen either offer their own classes or do as yours does - on the job training.

Judging from the enthusism in your posts, you will do just fine!

Thanks everyone for all of your input, I'm sure there is a reason for just on the job training and it probably has to do with the different way's each facility is run and the programs that they use. I am just starting my second day tomorrow as Unit Sec. so I can't really say to much about what the job entails, but as soon as I do I will post again.

I have done this exact job and know how overwhelming it can seem at first. The only reference material I could tell you to look at would be know your medical terminology, know labs (ask the lab for their book it explains what all the labs are and what they are for, I found this invaluable.) know radiology test, and get a drug book for the medications this will help you decipher some of your orders. Most of what you will learn will be from just doing it, but if you get to know some of the above things it will make your job a lot easier. Good luck.

Karrie, any advice on how an outsider can get that material and study and learn it prior to applying for this type of job? The med term is easy enough but the rest? No idea how I would get my hands on that sort of info.

You can get a drug book @ your local bookstore or if they don't carry it go to a college bookstore and they will for sure. As far as the lab book you would have to go to a hospital and see if someone from the lab would be willing to supply you with one or you could write to Quest or LabCorp those are the two major lab companies and ask if they would provide you one. And again your local hospital radiology dept should be able to provide information on the test they do. Good luck.