What do you want from your Unit Secretary?

[wantccu]

I posted awhile ago asking whether it was better to start in CCU or on a Med/Surg floor. I decided that even though I was comfortable and loved my job where I was, I'd go for one in the CCU where I want to work someday and learn as much as I can, get to know the system, etc. before I get through nursing school rather than hit a floor fresh as a new grad with no clue what I was in for. Well, I got the job and start in a few weeks!

I'm excited but nervous at the same time. It's always hard being the new person and it took about a year at my job before anyone would even bother talking to me. 5 years later I'm hesitant to leave for that reason, but know it's the best thing for my career.

My question to you all - What makes a fantastic unit secretary for you? What do you expect from us? What ****** you off?

[Iowa RN2006]

1) Dont act like you run the place. The unit secretaries we have think they are the boss. Your job is no more important than mine and mine no more than yours.

2) Greet family that comes to the desk, dont sit there with your face in your computer acting like if you pretend not to see them they will go away.

3) smile when you answer the phone, it really does come through in your voice.

4) If somewhat upsets you let them know, that is how we all learn how to treat eachother.

5) be willing to learn, no one likes a hardheaded know it all.

[tcvnurse, BSN, RN]

We have three secretaries ( but we call them HUCs here) and two of them are fantastic. The last one is absolutely clueless and only got the job cause her mom is friends with a nurse.

A good secretary can make the unit flow quicker and more efficient. If you can't remember anyone's name and page me for patients who are not mine I am going to be aggravated. If you see me running around in and out of rooms and haven't stopped in six hours don't expect me to be all sunshine and puppy dogs if you don't even try to page the pca for pca work.

Don't make me ask you three times for something

Do answer the phone, make an effort to stay at the desk in stead of wandering all over the unit, keep a running list of things to remember and know that you are essential. Know that when you do your job well, every nurse will be grateful. Most of know you work just as hard as we do, cause it is not easy to be on display at that desk.

[maelstrom143]

We have excellent HUCs, thank goodness:heartbeat They are also very versatile, being trained as PCT/HUCs, they can cover the desk or hit the floors when short-staffed on some floors (we do have a very few who refuse to work the floor, but most will be very supportive and understanding). Our HUCs know our order sets and try to anticipate our needs when they are reviewing orders. Oftentimes, when I go to ask for something they will often say, already done!

[wantccu]

Well, I officially started my training on the floor last night - everyone seems nice, and I think I'll be just fine! Thanks for all of the good advice!