Secondary Hospital

For health unit coordinators, working at another hospital may have its perks. Whether working there per diem while working at your hospital, there are various reasons why someone would choose to do so.

They may live closer to the other hospital or seek better pay. Others may require a secondary job to make ends meet and pay their bills. Additionally, some coordinators may want to explore different workplaces and test out a new location.

Whatever the reason, it's important to choose your second job carefully. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before committing to another hospital to ensure that you make the right decision for yourself.

Communication Skills

As a medical professional, you will be responsible for answering the telephone and the call light. It may seem like a small task, but it is one of the most critical aspects of your job. You don't want to be that person who lets the telephone or call light ring repeatedly before picking up. That's not a good look.

Be sure to answer the phone and call light promptly and confidently. Speaking clearly and confidently is key. If you have an accent, speak slower; if you tend to talk fast, slow down. Adjusting your speaking to ensure that the patients and their families can hear and understand you is essential.

Remember, the telephone and call light are a direct line to providing exceptional patient care, so take it seriously.

Workplace Policies

Policies play a vital role in any organization, ensuring uniformity, consistency, and compliance in the workplace. As an employee, it is essential to be aware of the policies that govern your workplace, both for your own benefit and that of the organization.

Most companies have their policies on their intranet, a powerful tool for providing employees access to information about their operations and policies. With the click of a few links, you can easily access the information you need, making you the go-to person for anyone seeking that information. In this way, you become a valuable asset to your organization, equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to be a successful team member.

It's worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with your company's policies and where to find them on the intranet.

Phone Etiquette

Personal telephone calls can be a slippery slope. While it's natural to want to catch up with loved ones or friends, excessive personal calls can hinder one's work productivity. Whether it's a distracting phone ringing in the background or a person talking too loudly, a constant personal conversation can negatively impact the individual and those around them.

While it's important to maintain personal relationships and connections, it's crucial to find a balance and limit calls to appropriate times and durations. This ensures a productive work environment and shows respect for colleagues and the company's resources.

Overtime Strategy

I used to be wary of working overtime because my department was budget-conscious and didn't want to pay for extra hours. But then I noticed the more experienced HUCs taking advantage of the shortage of unit clerks across the hospital-- they would call in on a day off and offer themselves up for another unit if needed. It made me envious, but I realized I could be doing the same thing. So, when I transferred to another unit with less reliable HUCs, I started volunteering for overtime whenever I could.

It was worth it - by the end of the year, I had made an extra $7,000. With my hourly rate averaging over a dollar more, I couldn't complain about putting in a little extra time.