RN-Admissions/Transfer Center

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time Benefit Eligible

Work Shift

Variable - 12 Hour Shift (United States of America)

Department

8755 Bed Allocation

In collaboration with multidisciplinary team determines appropriate placement using clinical data and utilization admission guidelines. Coordinates patient transfers, authorizations and transportations to and from other facilities for higher level of care.

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required:

CA RN license

BLS


Education
Preferred: BSN, MSN, or currently enrolled in RN-BSN program.

Experience

Required: Three years of med/surg experience in an acute care setting as an RN.

Preferred: Case Management, ER, or ICU experience. Extensive clinical experience in patient physical assessment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Must have at least basic understanding and skills related to use of computers pertinent to the needs and requirements of the department.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR FUNCTIONS

Determines placement of patient to a bed utilizing utilization guidelines/criteria, diagnosis, and physician preference, unit activity, and staffing factors. Attends a.m. and p.m. housewide report.

Assists to ensure admission/UR criteria are consistent with reimbursement objectives. Identifies potentially inappropriate admissions, working with physician and physician office staff for correct classification of patient. When an admission designation cannot be made or agreed upon, utilizes Physician Advisor in making a determination. Notifies attending physician and Case Manager on patient care unit of pending problems and UR issues.

Initiates unit assignment for appropriate level of care, i.e., based upon patient status and previous admission activity. Communicates pertinent information, such as infections, diseases.

Acts as a liaison with physician office staff for the purpose of promoting the KH concept of continuity of care by supporting the ADT based process. (Acts as a patient advocate in determining that the level/classification of care is correct and appropriate.) Attends Physician Office Staff meeting. Educates physician and office staff on admitting process, required information, etc.

Communicates with appropriate physicians, nursing managers, house supervisor and staffing facilitators when a shortage of available beds or staffing occurs. Works with the nursing staff and physicians to transfer or discharge patients if appropriate, during bed shortage. Follows disaster plan as appropriate.

Accepts and records physician orders when necessary and is responsible for the delivery of orders to the appropriate nursing unit. Completes order communication before the patient has arrived.

Ensures patients are assigned rooms in an expedient manner utilizing all critical resources within the organization.

Assists as needed with coordination of patients entering and leaving via the transfer center.

TRANSFER CENTER FUNCTIONS

Triages and prioritizes calls based upon patient needs including level of care and bed availability. Asks appropriate questions and clinical decisions made are based upon utilization guidelines, diagnosis, level of care and bed availability.

Coordinates the transfer, authorization and transportation of inpatients transferred to and from other facilities for higher level of care and tests (i.e. PET scans, ERCP procedures) not available at KH.

Collaborates with Physicians, Admitting, House Supervisors, Case Management and Bed Allocation to prioritize patient needs by diagnosis and level of care to facilitate transfer.

Works with the transferring facility to ensure all necessary paperwork, studies are sent with the patient. Makes alternate recommendations for patients when transferring to KH is not an option.

Documents all calls in the electronic documentation system and accurately enters data into the transfer center database including but not limited to medical, demographic, and insurance information.

Coordinates with Bed Allocation and physician offices and other transfer centers to facilitate efficient bed management and appropriate bed placement.

Maintains physician on-call list and uses list to communicate with the on-call physicians regarding patient and bed status.

Has knowledge of overall hospital policies, services at KH, surrounding hospitals and tertiary facilities in California.

Utilizes knowledge and understanding of EMTALA / Compliance issues to coordinate transfers.

Starts transfer process by clarifying correct patient status, level of care and availability and service required by patient. Assures transfer agreements are signed by outlying facilities transferring patients to KH for higher level of care.

Gathers accurate information from referring facility and communicates to all involved KH personnel, including accepting physicians and staff.

Coordinates the successful transfer and placement of patients entering and leaving via the Transfer Center.

CONTINUUM OF CARE

Starts admission process by clarifying correct patient status.

Assures transfer agreements are signed by outlying facilities that are transferring patients to Kaweah Health for higher level of care.

Has knowledge of bed availability via the electronic bed monitoring system.



Additional

TEAM MEMBER OF PATIENT ACCESS

Facilitates and enhances communication, displaying honesty and respect. No complaints received.

Promotes a cooperative working relationship with the patient care areas, physician/clinic office staff, physicians, other disciplines and public. Maintains focus on patient. No complaints received.

Assists with training of other staff members on electronic bed monitoring system and job functions, attaining correct admission orders and diagnosis.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

$46.44 -$69.66

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.