Registered Nurse/RN - Communication Center

About the role

The Communication Center RN coordinates patient admissions and transfers from physician offices and other outside facilities to DCH RMC and NMC. This role ensures patients have appropriate orders and status upon admission, participates in hospital bed planning with Patient Accommodation Staff and the Administrative Supervisor, and serves as the primary contact for physicians seeking to admit patients.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates patient transfers from physician offices and healthcare facilities using established processes.
• Collects clinical information to assist providers in determining patient status and level of care.
• Collaborates with accepting physicians to arrange proper patient placement at DCH RMC and NMC.
• Serves as a patient/physician customer service liaison.
• Facilitates prompt bed assignments for newly admitted patients, including those with special considerations (e.g., infection control).
• Manages bed assignments in the Hospital Computer System.
• Collaborates with Nursing Supervisor and/or Manager of Patient Accommodations on patient placement concerns.
• Accurately completes Communication Center data and patient registration/account data in the Hospital Computer System.
• Promotes excellent customer relations with physicians, clinical leaders, staff, patients, visitors, and the community.
• Provides direct feedback on clinical issues to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains performance, patient, and employee satisfaction standards as outlined in performance evaluations.
• Adheres to DCH Behavioral Standards, including creating positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, and colleagues.
• Performs essential job functions safely to ensure the well-being of patients, visitors, and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices to mitigate risks and hazards.
• Uses electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet.
• Adheres to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• Carries out other assignments as needed.

Requirements

• Maintains a current Alabama Registered Nurse License.
• 5 years of RN experience preferred; Critical Care or ED experience preferred; DCH experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, including phone etiquette, interpersonal skills, and customer service principles.
• Ability to prioritize, coordinate stressful situations, and work effectively with diverse personalities.
• Basic PC knowledge and keyboarding experience required.
• Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
• Customer service abilities, including effective listening, critical thinking, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

Work Context

• Communicates with diverse personalities and engages in face-to-face discussions.
• Handles conflict and communicates clearly and accurately.
• Receives delegation and works effectively in groups.
• Conveys information effectively and listens to understand spoken information.
• Performs structured and unstructured work under time pressure and deadlines.
• Works with precision and accuracy.
• Uses electronic mail, telephone, and texting.

Physical Factors

• Physical presence onsite is essential.
• Normal or correctable vision and hearing.
• Able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Able to stand, walk, kneel, sit, stoop, and bend.
• Tolerates prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Possesses fine motor skills for data entry and typing.
• Can reach reasonable distances in any direction.
• Able to run in emergencies.
• Possesses stamina for prolonged shifts and high-stress situations.
• Light work: Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.