unit secretary question

[scooter65]

Hi. I am new here. I had a question about what is expected of a unit secretary? i have a job interview tomorrow and would like to know if a unit secretary must take vitals? i have been an ER unit clerk before and we did not do that but was just wondering if unit secretary on a nursing floor did such and what is expected of a unit secretary? thank you.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

It depends on the hospital and the unit.

[luvmy2angels]

Any hospital I have been in or worked in the unit secretary did not take vitals unless they were a nurse. the one hospital sometimes used thier LPNs as unit secretaries and they would help the other nurses out by getting vitals, but the normal unit secretaty was not expected to do them.

[cygni519]

Our unit secretary answers call lights, processes orders (enters in the computer, faxes to pharmacy, copies them to nurses), files lab reports, etc. into charts, answers unit telephones. They do not take vitals but may occasionally go answer a call light if we are REALLY stretched. These are the main duties.

[Mandarella]

I have never had to take vitals as a unit secretary.

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Ours are not expected to do vitals. They are far too busy with their tasks like answering call lights, ordering tests, checking orders, getting the proper paperwork done or given to the RN or MD, answering phones and various other duties to even stray from a desk! In fact, they aren't supose to leave the desk unless it is an emergency.

[Dewgrl]

I'm currently a unit assistant (slowly but surely will become full fledged nurse) and we do it all. Call lights, bedpans, stocking, ordering supplies, taking off orders, the phones, you name it we do it. Because I've also been an ER tech, and a phelbo, I also do the occasional ekg in a bind and have helped lab with blood draws. And I'm not sure if this is expected, but I can also take a manual bp and have on a routine basis. I think though as people have said, it just depends on the unit and shift sometimes. I work nights in a small ICU, but I know the dayshift unit assistant on are med-surg just works desk.

Good luck it whatever you do.:)

[sassyRN73, RN]

Hi there-

I work as a unit extender in ICU and Intermediate care and I do it all!!

Vitals, Ekg, transcribe orders, file, answer bells etc.

But in Med-Surg all they do is desk.

Working towards my RN:balloons: Grad in May 2007!!

Good luck to you.