Lead Access Intake- RN Coord - FT - Day - Hackensack Meridian Health

“Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.” 

Come join our Amazing team here at Hackensack Meridian Health! We offer EXCELLENT benefits, Scheduling Flexibility, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts and much more!!!

The Lead Access Intake Nurse Coordinator coordinates all admission-related activities during their assigned shift. Collaborates with LIP and assists with patient admissions and medical clearance to Carrier Clinic Inpatient treatment, Blake Recovery Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center Behavioral Health and other HMH Network Behavioral Health. Manages case pre-admission, including requests for medical records and other clinical information as required prior to evaluation. Helps make proper referrals when appropriate. In addition, the Lead Intake Nurse Coordinator provides workflow leadership to Access Intake Nurse Coordinators and collaborates with the Access team to ensure smooth patient admissions and readmissions. They also work with the Access and Admissions leadership team to develop and implement efficient medical clearance procedures to ensure productivity and accuracy in case management.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Graduation of accredited RN Program.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the Admissions or Access department.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience as Team Lead, Coordinator, or Supervisor.
• Effectively communicates with patients/family members, peers, and providers.
• Demonstrates a high level of clinical competency to determine appropriate medical clearance for patient admissions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• BSN or MSN.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience within an acute care psychiatric setting or substance abuse facility.
• Previous experience as a NJ screener or in admissions.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License. 
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 90 days of entering the position.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification.

• Provides workflow leadership to Access Intake Nurse Coordinators and partners with Patient Access Specialists on patient admissions/readmissions medical clearance.
• In conjunction with the Director of Patient Access, Manager of Admissions, and Admissions Assistant Nurse Manager, establishes efficient and appropriate medical clearance processes for patient admissions.
• Monitors productivity and audits cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Provides training to new Access Intake Nurse Coordinators.
• Gathers clinical information for Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) and assists with Medical Clearances in accordance with policy. 
• Interviews patients and families to gather clinical information, identifies urgent medical needs, and communicates concerns with the LIP. Assists the LIP with admissions and referrals when appropriate.
• Operates within the professional scope of practice.
• Guides staff on their assigned shift, as directed by the Director of Access Services.
• Acts as a resource for clinical and administrative concerns on respective shifts. 
• Demonstrates positive communication techniques in working with other members of the Access and Admissions teams to enhance patient care.
• Participates in the orientation of new/transfer personnel as assigned.
• Documents patient information within medical records accurately and within procedural time limits.
• Enters patient data (demographics, insurance, and clinical information) into the computer system.
• Performs computer processes relating to admissions, referrals to outpatient centers, schedules appointments, and edits changes in existing computer files. Notifies outpatient centers to arrange treatment for patients who require that level of care following assessment.
• Notifies units of pending admissions.
• Performs pre-certification/authorization reviews with payers in the absence of a pre-cert specialist.
• Tends to the care and comfort needs of patients and their families. Meets and exceeds expectations by responding promptly with tact and sensitivity. 
• Performs registration functions in their absence.
• Performs access support specialist functions in their absence.
• Performs all assigned duties relative to the processing of patients through the Carrier system.
• Answers telephone inquiries in the Access Center. Provides pertinent information regarding inpatient/outpatient services to patients, families, and referral sources. Triages appointments and schedules patients at appropriate locations. Assists with all aspects of patient intake.
• Serves on hospital committees as appointed.
• Performs daily EMTALA audits and presents data to the Administrative committee regularly.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.