Help Me Get Job As Unit Secretary!!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi!

I've just found out that there's an opening as Unit Secretary working from 3 - 11:30. I really need to get this job and it's one of the few decent jobs at night. It's the only way I'll be able to return to nursing school.

I just need a few tips to be competetive. I can type 75 w.p.m., comfortable with computers, understand patient confidentiality is important, have some medical coding experience (although it was 12 years ago), have an undergrad Psych degree, and want to be in a hospital environment to be acclimated to nursing. I also have loyalty to this hospital since I've just had 2 children there in the last 2 years, and had positive experiences. I really appreciate the nurses. They make or break patient care, as far as I'm concerned.

What are the 5 main job functions of a Unit Secretary? How can I present myself? This is SO important to me. Any advice you wonderful people can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Hopeful Nurse-to-be

Love-A-Nurse

3,932 Posts

Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.
originally posted by latebloomer

hi!

i've just found out that there's an opening as unit secretary working from 3 - 11:30. i really need to get this job and it's one of the few decent jobs at night. it's the only way i'll be able to return to nursing school.

i just need a few tips to be competetive. i can type 75 w.p.m., comfortable with computers, understand patient confidentiality is important, have some medical coding experience (although it was 12 years ago), have an undergrad psych degree, and want to be in a hospital environment to be acclimated to nursing. i also have loyalty to this hospital since i've just had 2 children there in the last 2 years, and had positive experiences. i really appreciate the nurses. they make or break patient care, as far as i'm concerned.

what are the 5 main job functions of a unit secretary? how can i present myself? this is so important to me. any advice you wonderful people can give me would be appreciated.

thanks,

hopeful nurse-to-be

hello and welcome to the board! i would say the 2nd sentence of your second paragraph will help you in getting the job. are you seeking employment on a psych unit? just curious?

go and "sell" yourself just like you did here with your post. there is usually an orientation period whether you have had experience or not to assist you, after being hired. with your assertiveness and credentials, you should be fine.

let us know when you get the job!:)

DJrn

12 Posts

Do you know that this is probably the toughest job on the unit? You should realize that before taking the position. Organization, prioritization, flexability, communication and telephone speaking skills are the 5 areas that come to my mind when I think of the top 5 things a UC needs to excel in the position. Doing this job will help prepare you for some aspects of nursing.

latebloomer

6 Posts

Thanks for your advice! And thanks for the encouragement. I'll let ya know if I get the job.

Latebloomer

JUSTYSMOM

112 Posts

I was also interested in working as a HUC while in school. But I was under the impression you need to go to a vocational school for the HUC certification, before you would be hired??? Every ad I see says experience necessary or HUC certification.

I have absolutely NO experience in the medical field. But I have TONS of experience with customer service, phones, computers..What do you think? Do hospitals have training for this?

Thanks,

Julie

latebloomer

6 Posts

Hi, JustysMom!

I spoke to the woman hiring the position and she never mentioned anything about any certification. It would probably be a good idea if you were fresh out of high school or had no office experience (I'm guessing).

Someone else reading this is better qualified to answer that question. It sounds as if you'd be qualified.

Latebloomer

azgirl

152 Posts

I took a one semester course in HUC in college and managed to get the worst job I have ever had in my life. Hats off to any HUC because that was a horrible hard job. Everything gets dumped on you and you make a fraction of the money anyone else on the unit is making.

NannaNurse

266 Posts

Our Unit Clerk started out as a Rehab Tech 24 years ago. I'm not sure if she is 'certified', but she is our life saver around here. Here is just a few of the things hse does:

1. Answers all incomming calls

2.Pages or places calls to the Docs for us

3.Transcribes all incoming orders and alerts us to stat/urgent orders

4.Makes necessary changes to the kardex and MAR's.

5.Faxes all orders to Pharm

6.Inputs all information regarding new admissions, including Kardex, Lab schedules,in-house consults, etc....

It sounds like alot, but our U.S has it down to a fine art. We don't have a U.S after 10pm or on Sundays. They are only there 1/2 day on Saturday. They keep everything running the way it's suppost to run....

Good luck!!

nursesrthebest

46 Posts

I am currently a unit secretary...NannaNurse pretty much sums it up...I am also a nursing student...to get hired where I work is that you need to take a spelling test, but some places offer a typing test, may need to type a min. of 35 wpm, for example... the jobs sounds like a lot to do, but you must be organized... if you are not... it can be a nightmare... oh yeah... I had to take a medical term. test within the first six mos... i hope that answer your question.....

latebloomer

6 Posts

Wow! Thank you for all the specific advice and encouragement. I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to go for it!

:)

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