Unit Secretary Job Description

A well-written Unit Secretary Job Description is critical when hiring for fast-paced healthcare environments where accuracy, coordination, and communication directly affect patient care. When responsibilities are unclear, hospitals risk operational delays and staff burnout.

This guide helps recruiters clearly define the Unit Secretary role, outline expectations, and use a ready-made job description template to hire efficiently and compliantly.

Why Unit Secretary Job Descriptions Make or Break Your Hiring

Studies show that nearly 75% of candidates reject roles due to vague job descriptions, and this is especially true in healthcare administration roles. A Unit Secretary works at the center of communication between doctors, nurses, patients, and administrative teams—ambiguity here leads to costly errors.

A strong Unit Secretary Job Description helps you:

  • Strengthen employer branding by showcasing organized clinical operations

  • Attract qualified candidates who understand medical documentation and workflows

  • Reduce time-to-hire by clearly defining responsibilities and shift expectations

When compliance duties, reporting lines, or documentation responsibilities are unclear, recruiters face high turnover. A structured job description solves this upfront.

Unit Secretary Job Description Template

Job Title: Unit Secretary

Department: Nursing / Clinical Operations

Reports to: Nurse Manager / Unit Supervisor

Job Summary

As a Unit Secretary, you act as the administrative backbone of the hospital unit, ensuring smooth communication, accurate documentation, and efficient coordination between medical staff and patients. You support nurses and physicians by managing records, schedules, and clerical tasks that keep the unit running efficiently.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure healthcare environment.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Unit Secretary

The Unit Secretary Job Description focuses on administrative accuracy and operational coordination. Your responsibilities include:

  • Managing patient records, charts, and admission documentation
  • Coordinating communication between nurses, physicians, and departments
  • Answering phones and directing calls appropriately
  • Scheduling tests, procedures, and patient transfers
  • Entering and updating data in electronic medical record (EMR) systems
  • Ordering and tracking unit supplies and equipment
  • Assisting with discharge paperwork and patient instructions
  • Maintaining confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

To succeed in a Unit Secretary Job Description, candidates must combine administrative efficiency with healthcare awareness. Ideal requirements include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (associate degree preferred)
  • Previous experience in a hospital or clinical administrative role
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare documentation
  • Proficiency in EMR/EHR systems
  • Strong communication and multitasking abilities
  • Attention to detail and time management skills
  • Ability to handle sensitive patient information confidentially
  • Familiarity with hospital workflows and unit operations

Frequently Asked Questions

A Unit Secretary is a healthcare administrative professional who supports hospital units by managing documentation, coordinating communication, and assisting clinical staff. Hiring for such roles is streamlined using structured HR systems available on the Arriba HRMS.

The role of a Unit Secretary is to ensure smooth administrative operations within a clinical unit, acting as the communication link between patients, nurses, physicians, and support departments.

Duties include managing patient records, coordinating schedules, handling phone communication, updating EMR systems, and supporting nursing staff with administrative tasks. These responsibilities often integrate with centralized Employee Management Software.

While Unit Secretaries don’t process payroll, accurate shift data and staffing records contribute to payroll accuracy, typically managed through Payroll Software.

Hospitals rely on precise staff availability to maintain patient care standards. Tools like Attendance Management Software and Leave Management Software ensure proper shift coverage.

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