Many nursing homes and rehabilitation centers have a receptionist at the front desk. Receptionists are often the glue that helps keep many of the operations running, from greeting visitors to juggling phone calls. They are often the first point of contact and will know many of the people who work in the building.

Receptionists are also the first impression that visitors and newcomers will have of a nursing home. Here are the duties of a healthcare receptionist.

Customer Service on the Frontlines

A receptionist in the healthcare industry must embody the principles of customer service, as they are often the point of contact between the residents, staff, and families. Having qualities such as a welcoming smile, the ability to answer questions quickly and efficiently, and handling paperwork accurately are all necessary to be successful in this role.

Receptionists are people who often act as the glue of a nursing home. They are the ones who direct visitors in the right direction, make sure the daily operations run smoothly, and are often the first to report when someone does not return from their appointment. Their day-to-day management makes their role critical to the daily operations of the nursing home.

Receptionists are also a friendly face for the residents who are in need of having their questions answered. A quick chat with a resident can assure them that they will be able to find where they need to go. Receptionists will also often build rapport with the residents, creating a connection with them that turns them into a friendly face the residents can rely on.

What are the duties of a receptionist in a nursing home?

Here is a general list of duties for a receptionist who works in a nursing home. Note that this list does not encompass all their duties, and not all locations give them the same duties.

1. Greet guests. When visitors walk into the facility for the first time, a receptionist is often the first smiling face to greet them. They will ask the guests why they are here, and often make them sign paperwork to come in.
2. Take phone calls. Healthcare receptionists are often the first on the line when someone calls the facility. They will often take messages, answer questions people have about the facility, and reroute calls to other employees when needed.
3. Mail sorting. A receptionist works to organize the mail, making sure that all of the residents at the nursing home receive the proper letters addressed to them. This is important because it helps the residents stay in touch with friends and loved ones.
4. Managing office supplies. Receptionists are often the ones who know where everything is – from the pens to the band aids. They work on managing the office supplies, as well as ensuring that new items are ordered as they are depleted from the stock.
5. Coordinates appointments. Receptionists are often the ones coordinating the appointments of the residents, especially if they need to go offsite to get a check that the facility does not offer. They are usually the ones making the calls and organizing any internal transportation that the facility may offer.
6. Data Entry. Many receptionists will have simple data entry sheets that they will need to fill out each day. This helps the facility stay organized and on track.
7. Organize paperwork. Receptionists will be the ones tasked with organizing paperwork, both digitally and physically. They will also often be the ones to pull out relevant paperwork whenever it is requested.