Health Unit Coordinator

Quick Facts

• Role: Health Unit Coordinator

Description

The Health Unit Coordinator provides unit reception, clerical, medical record, and patient registration support while following organizational ethics, compliance, and regulatory/accreditation standards. The coordinator manages unit workflow with the charge RN/manager, sets priorities, handles emergencies calmly, and serves as a liaison between patient care units and other departments. Responsibilities include accurate information updates, order entry/verification, retrieving and relaying lab results, preparing admission/discharge medical records, and managing unit communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide a friendly, professional presence and accurate/timely patient and customer updates

• Answer questions or direct concerns to the appropriate person/resources

• Help patients/customers find their way and use service recovery to resolve service breakdowns

• Coordinate unit workflow with the charge RN and/or assistant manager; communicate appropriately with manager, charge nurse, staff, and physicians

• Support interdisciplinary patient needs by consulting other departments as needed

• Retrieve lab results from the computer and bring results to the nurse caring for the patient

• Interact professionally with patients and families, including explanations and verbal reassurance

• Prepare medical records for new admissions; disassemble and forward charts to Medical Records on discharge

• Maintain record assembly contents in chronological order; obtain required signatures and documents

• Transcribe and clarify handwritten physician orders and clinical data; enter and verify orders in the computer to support timely delivery of medications and tests/services

• Demonstrate computer competence for order entry, results, documentation, and policy-related tasks

• Monitor unit communications and access systems (telephone, closed-circuit camera, intercom/door entry) and route information appropriately

• Validate daily admission/discharge/census lists, register patients in the computer, and perform pre-census activities

• Conduct telephone screening (inquiry calls) with appropriate disposition and maintain confidentiality/Release of Information rules

• Order supplies and print patient chart forms; manage equipment safety

• Prioritize and complete unit tasks quickly as needs change; support continuous improvement and cost-streamlining efforts

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

• Basic computer knowledge

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)

• Ability to determine when an interpreter is needed and use interpreter services effectively

• Excellent customer service skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events (details available via the employer benefits page)

• Benefits eligibility varies by employment classification