Discharge Clinical Coordinator

Reports to the Vice President Medical Affairs MHO. Coordinates acute care hospital patient discharges by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Acts a liaison between the hospitalists, specialists, ancillary departments, and the patient to provide timely discharges when providers have determined a medically stable patient is prepared for discharge. Consistently communicates with the hospitalists regarding clinical and disposition barriers then ensures the care team is working collaboratively on these barriers. Assures patient has a smooth transition from hospital discharge to outpatient follow up. 

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Plans, coordinates and evaluates day-to-day discharge needs to ensure thorough and timely acute care discharges:

• Communicates with the hospitalist team daily to determine estimated discharge dates, clinical discharge barriers, and disposition discharge barriers.
• Works collaboratively with Nursing and Case Management to share known barriers and discharge dates.
• Meets with patients to ensure they are prepared for a potential discharge. This includes arranging outpatient follow up, obtaining specialist specific instructions, ensuring patient is aware of discharge date and assisting with post-acute placement paperwork as able.
• Update patient�s family with discharge updates, medication changes, etc.
• Educating and referring patient with chronic illnesses to Care Coordination when appropriate.
• Reviewing patient medical records to monitor completeness and accuracy, including medical issues not addressed prior to discharge.
• Connects patients with no primary care physician to a provider for discharge follow up.
• Communicate complex discharge needs to the patient�s primary care physician when the perceived risk of readmission is high.
• Performs post discharge hospital follow up calls to ensure patient�s have a smooth transition to their next level of care.
• Assist with patient education regarding discharge medications.

Participates in continuous quality improvement:

• Compiling and analyzing data to generate reports which accurately represent utilization trends and patterns including length of stay and known barriers to discharge.
• Making recommendations to appropriate committees to improve overall quality of patient care.
• Attend hospitalist department meetings in person and provide updates.
• Contributes to closing gaps in care.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department:

• Completes other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an accredited nursing program. Current license to practice as an RN in Indiana is required. Prior experience in a leadership role (which utilized problem-solving and conflict management processes) in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires thorough knowledge of nursing clinical care practices, procedures and techniques, with related specialty focus.
• Demonstrates analytical, problem-solving and organization skills.
• Demonstrates the communication skills (which includes verbal, written and listening) necessary to effectively counsel patients and their families.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal skills necessary to promote and maintain cooperative, courteous and sincere relationships with patients, family members, physicians, staff and the public.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and the ability to use tact when working with patients and their families.
• Requires time management skills and the ability to independently prioritize and organize work activities; also requires the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrates the computer skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use and support various computer programs.

Working Conditions

• Works in various environments with frequent changes in job demands.
• Requires travel to referral sources, satellite and other locations.
• Work hours will fluctuate based upon the needs of the patients served.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential duties of the position.