Clinical Admission Nurse

Job Summary: The Clinical Admission Nurse is an important part of the patient care delivery team and exhibits proficient decision-making skills. Utilizes discretion and independent judgment to prioritize, direct and control all patient admissions and transfers from multiple portals of entry into Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH). Both hospitals, are large tertiary academic medical centers with level one trauma designation separately licensed under the umbrella of The Loma Linda University Health System (LLUHS). Maintains an organization-wide perspective and objectivity when prioritizing patient placement and bed utilization based on clinical assessment, age, diagnosis, level of care, isolation, and other pertinent factors. Follows the established Professional Practice Model (Duffy's Quality Caring Theory) to achieve appropriate level of care for the patient. Exhibits flexibility and advanced critical thinking skills in monitoring all portals of entries into LLUMC and LLUCH. This includes both urgent and same-day requests for patient beds, changes in patient status, add on surgeries, inter-facility bed requests, and reassigning patients prior to placement according to patient needs. Will need to monitor bed availability and communicate changes with involved departments. Connects and corresponds with all levels of staff and administration to ensure patient flow is consistent and uninterrupted. Performs clinical screening of inter-facility transfer requests, for medical necessity and need for higher level of care while following all state, federal, and internal policies and guidelines. Establishing pertinent, timely and effective communication with the appropriate healthcare providers and transfer staff. Coordinates the patient transfer process. Collaborates with department leadership in developing, revising and implementing departmental and organizational wide admission, discharge, transfer (ADT) process, patient placement/bed utilization policies and procedures. Identifies legal issues pertinent to the ADT process and ensures compliance with Emergency Medical Treatment and Active labor Act (EMTALA). Functions within the expectations of an accomplished professional nurse and meets nursing excellence standards to maintain Magnet Recognition as outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Represents nursing as an empowered profession and readily embraces new knowledge, innovations and improvements. Provides a positive influence to facilitate change and optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes. Utilizes exemplary interpersonal skills and cooperates harmoniously with others at all levels. Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required for external hires. Exception(s) may be granted as follows: 1) if currently enrolled in a nursing bridge program (AS degree to DNP degree), proof of 25% program completion required. DNP degree to be completed two and a half years post hire date. Exception to completion date may be granted for extenuating circumstances; 2) if employed in a LLUH entity with an Associate or Diploma Degree at time of application, AS or Diploma degree is acceptable. Minimum of one year experience in nursing required. Minimum of one year experience demonstrating leadership ability required.

Knowledge and Skills: Strong critical thinking skills, able to work calmly in a stressful faced paced environment. Good clinical screening skills and understanding of a wide range of clinical diagnosis. Demonstrates strong communication skills in obtaining cooperation and support from a broad range of people and ability to work effectively with physician, nursing, administrative and ancillary staff. Substantial knowledge of state and federal healthcare regulations and EMTALA guidelines. Always exhibits a professional behavior and appearance. Able to speak, read and write legibly in English with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; able to inspire and motivate others; be assertive and consistent in following and enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; use sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge; work independently with minimal supervision; meet deadlines; perform basic math and statistical functions; demonstrate expert time management and effectively manages and prioritizes fluctuating workload to meet position demands; recalls information with accuracy; pays close attention to detail; hears sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identifies and distinguishes various sounds associated with the work place; sees adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position; and displays personal qualities such as kindness, compassion, understanding, integrity, respect, discretion and confidentiality.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California Registered Nursing (RN) license required.