5 Years...

cmm4ever · Jul 7, 2011

I guess Ill type this a third time! When I went to submit last night something happened, then couldnt get back on site. Then I saved it a word document, but wont let me paste ugh. So hopefully wont leave anything out. Long story, but I graduated in Dec. 2010 as a Medical Assistant. My first job offer (not taken 100%by choice), was a nursing assistant position at a hospital. My hire date was May 23rd. Anyways Sunday was my first day alone, tried to be positive, but turned out horrible! Today was okay after a rapid in the morning, that left me behind. Anyways, I believe it was June 24th, another manager from a different floor tracked me down while still training, and asked me if I was still interested in the unit clerk position. Havent spoke with her since last Monday when she said she would call my manager. I was going to wait for her to call, but think I will call her if she doesnt call soon. I dont know all the details (job duties entirely, dress etc.). 2 women are out on leave, so I have to stay at my current position longer. My last day is the 29th. If you have any tips etc. I would REALLY APPRECIATE it! Can you explain how your typical day is? Also pay if you dont mind. I think I know the pay from looking at the union book, but still waiting for a return call from the benefits department. Did you bid? Thanks, I dont know anyone else who is a unit clerk!

SuperWes_CNA · Jul 7, 2011

Well, I do come from a small town so our hospital isn't very big. We have an Acute Care floor of 9 rooms, a surgical suite, an Obstetrics suite with two rooms, an E.R. Dept. with 3 bays. We also have a swing bed unit with 14 rooms at the other end of the building.

As for my job, I am still partly a CNA and I do have to wear scrubs just in case I am needed out on the floor. I work from 3 to 11:30pm in which some days can be "feast or famine" but, I typically start of my day making necessary copies of charts & other papers if needed. I also, triage E.R. patients & type up their discharge paperwork. I take off orders for inpatients and put the charts together/disassemble them. I answer phone calls & direct visitors to where they need to go. Before the end of my shift I take care of the night paperwork for the next day (Census/charge sheets/dietary).

It will vary from size of hospitals but, just think of yourself as the Nurse's secretary almost like a regular office secretary. The part you would probably hafta get used to is reading doctor's orders and transcribing them but, it's not bad once you learn how to read each doctors writing.

I do also make $11+ but, this is due to the fact that I'm from a rural area in Montana. I don't know how much this will help but, hope you get an idea.

cmm4ever · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks. My shift will be 7am-3pm par time. Is your title a unit clerk though? What were you making as a na? Your hospital does sound small. The hospital Im at is 8 floors including the cafeteria/lobby. Do you float? They make people float where I am. I wasnt aware of this when I started. How long was your training? The manager mentioned 4 to 6+ weeks. Do you think the day shift will be alot different? I would really like to know more about duties/other details,but havent heard much yet. I hope it works out good for once! I THINK not sure yet, but its considered a 6.5 job grade (na is considered a 4), so $14.29 starting out (would be pretty descent money full time). Im afraid thought that you would have to wait until someoen leaves/retires though. Some of the job grades dont make sense. Is there only one person on at a time? I was wondering, because how do you take a break? Any other advice/tips? Thanks again! :)

SuperWes_CNA · Jul 8, 2011

Training actually took about a week & a half for me (I caught on to things quite quickly) but, when & if you do start out & you think it may take more than what they provide then, don't be scared to ask for more time. Communication with other Nursing/Medical staff is quite essential of course & as a unit clerk it's a bigger deal. Meaning, that you need to be detail oriented especially when it comes down to transcribing orders. And of course you will have the nurse there to check off your orders. If you have good nurses...observe & learn from them!

When there is low census in the hospital we are asked to float over to the Swingbed Unit & help if they do need it. I am the only one that works as the full-time Ward Clerk (this is what we call it) & there is another person that fills in part-time for the two days I am not working. We do get our two 15 minute breaks along with our 30 minute lunch break. Those usually happen when we have our down time or, slow periods.

If I recall, my last wage as a CNA was around $9+/hr.

cmm4ever · Jul 20, 2011

So my first day training as a unit clerk will be August 2nd. Wish me luck! Also, last time I worked, I floated for the first time :uhoh3: So I am really praying things work out for me! I put alot of time and effort into my schooling, and have been through alot. I know that since your hospital is smaller, that things may be different, but I would like to/need full time hours eventually (sooner the better)..I mean do you have to wait for people to retire to get full time? I would like to stay on the same floor if possible. Im not sure how it works yet, but on my floor now as a na, there is a needs list, and you can occasionally sign up for an extra day or whatever. Thanks :). By the way do you think it will be silly to give my now manager a thank you card? Should I just slip it in her mailbox? Shes not there all the time. I havent been there long. I dont know if I should address it just to her or? Im going to feel weird my last day..dont know if the manager will tell everyone.

cmm4ever · Sep 17, 2011

Hey SuperWes I have some questions for you..idk if you you want to pm me...I dont know if you have been on.