Patient Flow RN

About the Role

The RN Patient Flow Coordinator is responsible for appropriately placing patients based on diagnosis and physician preference, with consideration of bed availability. This role oversees the incoming calls of the One Call Center, working with protocols to triage and transfer calls to facilitate patient admissions to Mercy Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Monitors patient admissions to assure appropriate patient placement.
• Focuses on efficient bed utilization when assigning beds, based on patient diagnosis, special needs, physician preference, and bed availability.
• Conducts admission reviews per the UM plan related to level of care changes to assure hospitalization is warranted based on established criteria.
• Utilizes knowledge of current census information and potential inpatient bed needs to project accurate and appropriate placement of incoming patients.
• Oversees the incoming calls of the One Call Center and, working with protocols, triages and transfers those calls appropriately to facilitate admissions.
• Communicates bed placement explanations to appropriate Patient Flow and Patient Access Department staff.
• Facilitates communication with respective Department Directors and managers regarding bed flow and other issues.
• Facilitates appropriate referrals to care coordination.
• Occasionally assists with pre-authorization of services as needed.
• Utilizes expert knowledge and teamwork to facilitate cohesive efforts for continuous quality management and excellence in patient care.
• Applies professional nursing skills in the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to evaluate needs of incoming patients and disease processes.
• Acts as a liaison between doctors, offices, facilities, and Mercy to facilitate the admission process.
• Assists medical staff physicians with interpretation and compliance with external regulatory agencies and Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer requirements.
• Carries out hospital programs and principles of utilization review in compliance with hospital policies and external regulatory agencies (e.g., PRO, TJC). Validates medical necessity using Medicare guidelines.
• Promotes proactive planning and direction for care management, patient placement, pending discharges/transfers, and appropriate use of services.
• Works closely with the House Supervisor to efficiently manage patient volumes and available resources.

Requirements

• Current license as a registered nurse issued by the State of Iowa.
• BSN or degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Two years of clinical nursing experience required.
• Experience in Patient Access, Admissions, and Flow Operations preferred.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three months of hire.
• BLS certification by the end of the orientation period (approximately six weeks). Acceptable credentialing bodies include American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
• Basic understanding of computer applications.
• Knowledge of eligibility requirements for insurance coverage (e.g., ambulatory, observation stays, surgical, acute care, subacute, and continuum of care services).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex clinical situations related to patient placement and work independently to resolve issues.

Benefits

We honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver compassionate, person-centered care.