Registered Nurse - Referral Coordinator

Veterans Health Administration • Jefferson Barracks, MO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Referral Coordinator Registered Nurse is accountable for all aspects of the nursing process in providing and supervising patient care. The RN coordinates care with a focus on education, self-management, and satisfaction, following established policies and guidelines. The role supports positive outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and active participation in quality improvement and customer service initiatives.

The Referral Coordinator RN supports high-quality, timely, and coordinated care for Veterans by managing the referral process from receipt and triage through coordination of services. The role applies clinical judgment and knowledge of referral workflows, clinical review criteria, utilization management standards, documentation requirements, community care regulations, and Veterans Health Administration guidelines. The RN helps Veterans understand available care options, including VA direct care and community care, so they can receive appropriate care in a timely manner.

The position supports the medical center’s mission to expand access to care, empower Veterans in healthcare decision-making, and ensure eligible Veterans receive coordinated, high-quality services across VA and community care systems. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position is not virtual; ad hoc telework is available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying equivalent education as described in the announcement.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted professional nurse registration in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician appointment may be available to otherwise-qualified candidates pursuing licensure.
• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Selected applicants are subject to pre-appointment drug testing, background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including extended walking, standing, and sitting, moderate lifting, and repeated bending or kneeling.
• Nursing education and experience must meet the applicable Nurse grade and level criteria described in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• BSN or MSN.
• Experience in referral coordination or case management.
• Procedural or acute care, inpatient, or specialty-area experience.
• Advanced proficiency with operating systems, data analysis, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Triage and review incoming referrals to confirm appropriate care pathways using standardized national triage tools.
• Serve as a liaison between referring VA providers, specialty services, and community care partners to ensure consult accuracy, completion of required pre-work, and smooth coordination of services.
• Provide Veterans with clear guidance on care options and scheduling processes.
• Maintain accurate and compliant referral documentation using VA-mandated health information systems.
• Collaborate with the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to triage Requests for Services and promote in-house care when appropriate.
• Practice at the top of licensure to support high-quality care aligned with performance standards and organizational goals.
• Contribute nursing expertise within interdisciplinary teams, support change initiatives, and participate in efforts to advance evidence-based practice.
• Participate in unit- and program-level quality improvement initiatives and customer service efforts.
• Provide and supervise patient care, coordinating care with a focus on education, self-management, and patient satisfaction.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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