RN - Admissions Acute

Erlanger Behavioral Health • Chattanooga, TN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in admissions at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital is responsible for facilitating admissions, clinical intake assessments, and utilization review processes to support continuity of care and determine the most appropriate level of care for patients. The role reviews referrals and medical documentation, conducts assessments, coordinates recommendations and admissions with facility personnel, and supports patients and families throughout the intake process.

The position also handles admission documentation and consent forms, medication reconciliation, physician admission orders, insurance benefit verification, and initial pre-authorization. The nurse monitors patient status during admissions, coordinates follow-up care for patients who are not admitted, and conducts safety checks in accordance with required supervision guidelines. The role is based at a psychiatric hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

Requirements

• Minimum Associate’s degree in Nursing.
• Minimum one year of experience working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity.
• Clear and active nursing license in the state.
• CPR certification and de-escalation/restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a clinical or observational capacity within the specialty area of the hiring facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review medical documentation for admissions, complete medication reconciliation, and obtain admission orders from physicians.
• Facilitate emergency transfers for patients with medical conditions beyond the facility’s capabilities.
• Review referrals from hospitals, facilities, and community agencies for medical and behavioral acuity, and respond within facility policy timeframes.
• Respond to facility inquiries and provide appropriate recommendations.
• Conduct assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.
• Collaborate with facility medical and psychiatric personnel on recommendations and admissions.
• Facilitate incoming patient admissions, including assessment, consent, and inventory of belongings.
• Verify insurance benefits and secure initial pre-authorization for treatment and admission.
• Monitor patient status throughout the admissions process in accordance with facility policy and physician orders.
• Use web-based programs to track and review referrals.
• Promptly communicate projected admissions to designated internal representatives.
• Obtain clinical information from referral sources or patients, including information about medical comorbidities, before admission when possible.
• Schedule and complete pre-admission assessments when applicable, consult with the admitting physician, and communicate disposition recommendations to patients or families.
• Prepare and maintain medical record documentation to support authorization for the requested level of care.
• Complete initial pre-authorization before admission when possible and within payor timeframes.
• Admit patients into the registration and accounting system and complete admission and consent forms.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude; acknowledge and work to resolve patient complaints, with patient safety as a priority.
• Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
• Demonstrate urgency regarding patient safety and provide excellent customer service.
• Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals, as indicated by special precautions or individualized supervision guidelines.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive hourly rate with shift differentials available.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Acadia Healthcare 401(k) plan.
• Work in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge technology and safety features.
• Professional growth opportunity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree