Job interview coming up ... does anyone here work in an Emergency Room ?

[DVCindy]

Hi -

I was wondering if anyone here works in an ER and might be able to give me some help... I am going for an interview at our local hospital this week for a position called a Unit Secretary in the ER. I am hoping someone might be able to tell me what this job might be like from personal experience.

The job description I saw includes duites such as data entry and clerical support for the Nursing Unit in the ER. I've never worked in a hospital setting before, so I'd love to hear some details from those of you in the know !

Thanks in advance for any info you can pass along !

 

[msmickminn]

I'm not sure if it's the same thing but I worked for 2 yrs as an ER clerk/tech. I did everything from ordering lab work to discharge orders to restocking the ER bays. I was even trained to do admit vitals and EKG's...I guess a little of everything. I really enjoyed it!
Good Luck!

 

[mtblujeans]

I don't believe that is the same position she is applying for. About 20 years ago, I had a clerical position in an ER. I would do the paperwork for patients (get their name, address, insurance info, etc., make them up a hospital bracelet and chart, etc....if parental permission was needed, I would have to track down a parent on the phone, stuff like that). The ER clerks were something different. They would put the medication and equipment used stickers on the charts, call upstairs to arrange for an admitting bed or surgery....do more medical stuff. That was not part of my job. The paperwork I made up would go to the ER clerk and she would use it for the DR and RN staff....if that makes sense.

I would also enter payments and chart info into the computer system during the night to fill up my shift. I liked it 'cause I like working alone.

If that is the job you are applying for...I do have a suggestion. I saw things I had never seen before ie. the undertaker coming for the bodies, drunk people with things sticking out of abnormal places in their bodies on and on. My best piece of advice to you, if you take the job, would be that you remember to ask questions with a low voice. If you see something you are not sure of, ask the other employees about it in such a way that the patient's or their families cannot hear you. Some people get upset when you ask about the undertaker while they are releasing the body of a relative! Go figure

 

[MScott1851]

Also, get ready to deal with an onslaught of duties. You will probably need some serious multi-tasking skills and a thick skin. A unit secretary can make or break an ER, depending on whether she/he is on top of their game or not.

You will probably sticker or stamp charts, put charts together, order labs/xrays/ct's/etc. in the computer, put results on charts, coordinate transportation to and from other departments, call private doctors, answer the phone, fax orders to admissions, work with the bed supervisors/house supervisors about admissions, etc. Keep in mind the phone will ring constantly; doctors will be constantly telling (or FORGETTING to tell, but still blaming) you to call so and so, or page so and so, or order this, order that; it will be a busy, busy, fast-paced job if the ER is even a moderate sized one.

That being said...I love the chaos and anarchy that is the ER where I work...it's home to me, and I would be bored anywhere else.

 

[barkley]

i sat on a hiring board once that was for a position in an emergency room that involved taking patient information nesc. for billing. i recall that we were told in evaluating an applicant that organizational skills were important but observational and professional/interpersonal communication were the key to the position. i recall that in addition to standard questions about skills, abilities, education...we asked several situational questions to guage how a potential employee would handle themselves, so i would be prepared to think on my feet and effectivly communicate how you would react in any situation.

another suggestion i would make is to call an hr person at another hospital (idealy not in the same city or county you are interviewing at because they often help out with hiring interviews at other hospitals as a courtesy to one another) and find out what they think are the key attributes someone in this position possesses.

 

[DVCindy]

Thank you all for your responses ! I do like a fast paced environment and am good with the multi-tasking, so it sounds like a good fit !

 

[TRUFFLES13]

I would love a job like this, but they all say you need experience in a hospital setting. I am very good at multi-tasking and also love a fast paced environment.

Good Luck -

 

[mtblujeans]

I was still thinking about this job when I woke up this morning! I remember that one thing that caught me off guard was the really emergency patients that just needed to be stablized before being shipped upstairs for emergency surgery....

Back 20 years ago, we used a machine that stamped out a little metal plate that the clerk/tech would use as a "rub" to put the patient info on stickers. It reminded me of a machine that would stamp out dog tags. If the patient was in a bad way, they would be standing at my counter and barking for that metal plate because the patient needed so much right away that they would get too far behind if they could not put the patient info on everything right away. You would be under alot of pressure to type/stamp out that metal plate correctly and with full info before passing it on to the medical part of the room.

Maybe that has changed now and they don't use that type of equipment any more but you might be surprised at just how hectic your job can be and you just need to dig in and decide you are going to remain calm and accurate!

 

[DVCindy]

Thanks again for the advice, mtblujeans. That does sound like a high pressure situation for sure !

I was able to find out they are using Wellsoft information system ... does anyone know anything about this system ?

 

[lookingforward]

Not sure about the technical systems used in the job, but I am in the emergency room at least once a week with my job, and the unit secretary can make a big difference to the staff. In my experience, the secretary calls out the patient advocates, helps direct families, trouble shoots, assists doctors, etc. I have become friendly with the ones I deal with.

As the other poster stated, you will see things that will stay with you. It is hard to see a patient get wheeled in while they are running a code or see the families of those who have died. I provide crisis counseling and it never gets easy but you learn to deal with it.

Good luck and it sounds like you have the skills and desire to do it!

 

[mtblujeans]

Desire to do the job will help you cope and set your patterns for getting things done! In thinking about it....remember to ignore what co-workers might say while trying to get the job done under pressure....I remember a clerk/tech standing at my counter and yelling at me to hurry up and print the plate because she needed it 5 minutes ago. It was nothing personal...

I am rooting for 'ya!

 

[KarenAylwood]

My DBF had this job at the hospital that we now live across the street from! He was the ER secretary when he was 18 for his freshman year in community college (was there to save $$, not b/c he couldn't handle a better university- so he had a lot of time on his hands). He had volunteered there and then they offered him the job as secretary and he absolutely loved it. He said it was incredibly fast-paced and he saw things he had definitely never seen before. He's great at dealing with pressure and helping others so this was the perfect job for him.

Goodluck!! I'm sure you'll love the job (and.. well, get it too ). They'll train you on whatever software you need to use, you just have to be able to handle what is thrown at you! DBF loved the job, and it's actually what made him want to become a doctor- and what got him into medical school!! He got to know many of the doctors and nurses and the head of the ER (one of the top in the country) is one of his good friends now and has helped give him so many opportunities.

The key is also to have good relations and get to know the doctors and nurses as well. You never know who you'll need on your side! Esp in a high stress situation like the ER. It can be a really fun job if you make it that way!

Goodluck!!!

 

[alliecats]

No input, but sounds like everyone has been very helpful already. I just wanted to say Good Luck, and I hope you get it if you want it.
My fingers are crossed for you. And here is some:

Let us know what happens!!!

 

[DVCindy]

You all are so kind !

Thanks for the advice and well wishes ! Tomorrow I interview with Human Resources ... hopefully that will go well and I'll find out what the next step will be. I am excited about the job and I'll admit to being a little bit nervous, too. I haven't been on a job interview in about 16 years !!! I've been a SAHM for quite a while, but I feel confident and am looking forward to having a part-time job outside the home again.

I'll let you know how it goes !

 

[mtblujeans]

 

[DVCindy]

Just an update for anyone that may be interested ...

The first interview went well ! I was asked to provide references, which I did via e-mail in a follow-up note to the HR recruiter that evening. She called back yesterday and invited me back in tomorrow to meet with the supervisor in the ER ! I'm looking forward to it ... I just hope this snow that's supposed to be coming our way - again - doesn't get in the way !

Any more advice - I'm thinking the supervisor I'll be meeting with is a nursing unit supervisor ?

Cindy

 

[mtblujeans]

Just be pleasant and listen to everything she has to say. Show her you are attentive and that you will try to catch onto the routine quickly. They will want someone who tries hard to fit into a routine and becomes a team player as best they can. And good luck....

 

[mtblujeans]

Cindy...how did it go? Are you happily working in Hospital Land??

 

[DVCindy]

Just an update for mtblujeans and anyone else ...

Thanks for asking how I made out ... yes, I am happily working in hospital land !!! I just finished my 3 day orientation with the hospital and began my training in the ER this past week. I will be shadowing someone as I train for about 6 - 8 weeks. I really like it so far; I'm learning so much. It has been so, so, so busy though. We had 16 people holding in the ER Tuesday that were admitted but had no bed. Since this is all new to me, it seemed pretty chaotic to say the least! They tell me January is usually really busy. We are a level 2 ER with 48 beds.

Thanks for asking about me !

Cindy

 

[mtblujeans]

WOW! 48 beds!! Glad to hear it is going so well and you are happy! Good luck with continued success!!