Registered Nurse (RN)-Transfer Center - W

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the coordination of patients through the state-wide Transfer Center. Working with physicians and applying clinical judgement to facilitate the management, placement, and transport of patients throughout the state to Sister Hospitals or facilities that can provide the proper level of care and specialty for the individual needs of each patient.

Graduate from an accredited and approved school of nursing accepted for licensure in the state of practice is required.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred.

3 years recent clinical experience in acute care is required.

Critical care experience is preferred.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of practice is required. Wisconsin:  RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN license as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, multi-tasking, negotiation, and customer service skills required.

Demonstrated problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking and physician relations’ expertise required.

Knowledge of insurance requirements and admission status criteria.

Knowledge of federal healthcare regulations, including Medicare and other compliance requirements.

Proficient with basic computer skills.

Coordinator of patient admission and transfer processes, including in-house transfers.

Facilitates hospital transfers while adhering to EMTALA guidelines.

Monitors and accurately records all patient movement throughout the hospital and provides up-to-date information of census status and bed availability via electronic bed board/HALOWorks with nurse managers, charge nurses and physician leaders to facilitate patient placement according to applicable census criteria.

Collaborates and negotiates with other regional health care providers to facilitate safe and timely patient transfers/patient admissions from outlying facilities, especially during peak census periods.Escalates concerns/barriers that require administrative judgment based on hospital policies and procedures.

Receives physician orders and determines proper unit placement in conjunction with nursing policies and clinical criteria.Verifies the correct admission status (inpatient, general bed, IMC or ICU) based on established criteria, and applies appropriate intervention when orders/diagnosis fail to meet criteria.

Utilizes ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex tasks.Works directly with Medical Directors, Emergency Room physicians, and other appropriate physicians as needed to facilitate patient triage.Assists with the maintenance of patient placement training manuals and staff competencies.

Stays apprised of regulatory requirements (Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, etc.) and insures compliance.Improves and maintains patient intake and flow processes.

Identifies quality improvement opportunities and uses appropriate tools to evaluate potential solutions.

Monitors admission, discharge, transfer and delay of notification data.

Offers recommendations to address undesirable data trends.

Works collaboratively with Nursing, Environmental Services, Infection Control, Emergency Department, Surgical Services and Admissions & Testing to facilitate and optimize patient throughput.

Maintains collaborative working relationships with Patient Access Services, Health Information Management, Patient Financial Services and Case Management.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Clinical

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Positions in this category may experience wet

conditions in his/her work environment

Noise

X

Positions in this category may experience a higher

noise level in his/her work environment.

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other