## Unit Secretary - Children Support Services at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND ### Role Overview As a Unit Secretary in Children's Support Services at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, you will play a crucial role in supporting the efficient operation of our inpatient units. This position serves as a vital link between patients, families, medical staff, and other healthcare professionals. Your primary responsibility will be to provide clerical and administrative support, ensuring a smooth and welcoming environment for our patients and their families. This role requires a compassionate individual with excellent communication and organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. ### A Day in the Life Your day as a Unit Secretary might include a variety of tasks: * **Greeting and Assisting Patients and Families:** Welcoming patients and their families to the unit, providing information, and assisting with check-in procedures. * **Answering Phones and Responding to Inquiries:** Answering phone calls, responding to inquiries from patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, and directing calls to the appropriate individuals. * **Managing Patient Records:** Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records, including admission and discharge information, medical history, and treatment plans. * **Scheduling Appointments and Tests:** Scheduling appointments for patients with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers, and coordinating diagnostic tests and procedures. * **Ordering and Stocking Supplies:** Ordering and stocking medical and office supplies to ensure the unit is adequately equipped. * **Transcribing Physician Orders:** Accurately transcribing physician orders into patient charts and electronic health records. * **Assisting with Unit Laundry:** Assisting with the laundry needs of the NICU unit, ensuring a clean and sanitary environment for our vulnerable patients. * **Providing Clerical Support:** Performing general clerical tasks such as typing, filing, faxing, and photocopying documents. * **Maintaining a Clean and Organized Environment:** Ensuring the unit is clean, organized, and well-maintained. * **Collaborating with the Healthcare Team:** Working closely with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care to patients. ### Why Fargo, North Dakota? Fargo is a vibrant and growing city in the heart of the Red River Valley. It offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Fargo is also home to a number of major employers, including Sanford Health, providing ample career opportunities for you and your family. Here are some of the reasons why Fargo is a great place to live and work: * **Affordable Cost of Living:** Fargo's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. * **Excellent Schools:** Fargo boasts a strong public school system and a number of highly-rated private schools, ensuring your children receive a quality education. * **Thriving Arts and Culture Scene:** Fargo has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Fargo offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and lakes. * **Friendly Community:** Fargo is known for its friendly and welcoming community, making it easy to feel at home. ### Career Path The Unit Secretary position can serve as a stepping stone to other roles within Sanford Health. With experience and further education, you may be able to advance to positions such as: * **Medical Assistant:** Assisting physicians and nurses with patient care, including taking vital signs, administering medications, and drawing blood. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):** Providing basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. * **Registered Nurse (RN):** Providing comprehensive nursing care to patients, including assessing their condition, developing and implementing treatment plans, and administering medications. * **Healthcare Administrator:** Managing the operations of a healthcare facility or department. ### Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is estimated between $32,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision insurance. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and personal days. * **Paid Holidays:** Paid time off for major holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) plan with employer matching. * **Life Insurance:** Basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):** Health savings account (HSA) and dependent care FSA. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education. ### Sanford Culture Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. We value teamwork, communication, and respect. We are also committed to providing our employees with opportunities for professional development and growth. Here are some of the things that make Sanford Health a great place to work: * **Commitment to Patient Care:** We are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. * **Teamwork:** We work together as a team to achieve our goals. * **Communication:** We communicate openly and honestly with each other. * **Respect:** We treat each other with respect and dignity. * **Professional Development:** We provide opportunities for our employees to grow and develop their skills. * **Work-Life Balance:** We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements when possible. ### How to Apply If you are interested in joining the Sanford Health team as a Unit Secretary in Children's Support Services, please apply online through our career website. To apply, visit the Sanford Health careers page and search for the Unit Secretary - Children Support Services position in Fargo, ND. Follow the instructions to submit your application and resume. ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q1: What are the key responsibilities of a Unit Secretary?** A1: The key responsibilities include answering phones, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, transcribing physician orders, and providing general clerical support. **Q2: What qualifications are required for this position?** A2: A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, and one year of experience in a healthcare setting is highly desirable. Knowledge of medical terminology is also beneficial. **Q3: What skills are important for success in this role?** A3: Important skills include strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. **Q4: What is the typical work schedule for this position?** A4: The schedule varies, but typically includes Monday-Friday shifts (8:00 am-3:30 pm, 3:00 pm-8:30 pm, or 3:00 pm-11:30 pm), with every third weekend and every third holiday requiring 12-hour shifts. **Q5: What opportunities for advancement are available?** A5: With experience and further education, you may be able to advance to positions such as Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or Healthcare Administrator. **Q6: What benefits does Sanford Health offer?** A6: Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, a retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. **Q7: What is the culture like at Sanford Health?** A7: Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment that values teamwork, communication, and respect. **Q8: Is this a union position?** A8: No, this is not a union position. **Q9: What is the department like?** A9: The Children's Welcome Desk is a warm and welcoming environment that provides support to our inpatient teams. **Q10: How can I request an accommodation for the online application process?** A10: If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.