RN, EROC Logistics Specialist - Baroness Hospital - Transfer Center - full-time

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The EROC Logistics Specialist RN is a key operational and clinical resource within Erlanger Health, responsible for managing patient flow and ensuring timely, safe transitions across all levels of care. This role combines advanced nursing expertise with strong coordination and communication skills to optimize hospital capacity and throughput. The patient logistics nurse facilitates all patient transfers and direct admissions, including contacting and securing physician acceptance for incoming patients, transcribing physician telephone orders when necessary, and ensuring compliance with EMTALA regulations. Using EPIC as the primary platform, the patient logistics nurse monitors real-time census data, assigns beds for medical-surgical, telemetry, and intensive care units, and proactively addresses capacity challenges to prevent delays in care. The EROC Logistics Specialist RN collaborates across departments to ensure smooth patient flow: - Works with ED to prioritize admissions and reduce boarding times - Coordinates with ICU for high-acuity bed availability and urgent transfers. - Partners with Case Management for complex discharge planning and placement considerations. - Communicates with Hospital Leadership on capacity status and surge management. - Engages Ancillary Services (Radiology, Transport, Environmental Services) to expedite patient movement and room turnover. The EROC Logistics Specialist is responsible for facilitating the safe, efficient, and seamless transition of patients transferring from outside healthcare facilities as well as those transferring within the enterprise. This role ensures appropriate placement by applying clinical knowledge, situational awareness, and operational judgment to support organizational flow. The EROC Logistics Specialist interacts with internal and external partners through telephone, fax, email, and in person communication. This position requires frequent collaboration with physicians and their office staff, Registration and Admitting, the Emergency Department, inpatient nursing units, and a variety of other internal departments. By coordinating patient movement, troubleshooting barriers, and maintaining clear, timely communication, the EROC Logistics Specialist helps optimize patient throughput, support capacity management, and enhance the overall patient care experience.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing
The Patient Logistics Nurse must have a minimum of one year of recent critical care experience within the past five to ten years, demonstrating advanced clinical judgment and proficiency in managing high-acuity patients.
This individual is expected to be highly skilled in a wide range of complex nursing interventions and an expert in evaluating intensive care patients, quickly recognizing complications, and initiating appropriate actions.
A strong foundation in general nursing principles and practices is essential, along with a thorough understanding of organizational functions, policies, and regulatory requirements.
The nurse should remain current with emerging trends and developments in healthcare technology and patient care.
Current license to practice in the State of Tennessee.
BLS completed prior to going to the unit/department and maintained going forward.
Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a hospital transfer center or patient flow coordination role, demonstrating proficiency in managing complex patient movement across multiple care sites.
Experience with EPIC, particularly in bed management and patient flow workflows.
Previous exposure to emergency department operations, critical care environments, and interdepartmental collaboration is strongly preferred.
Candidates should have a proven ability to navigate high pressure situations, prioritize competing demands, and maintain compliance with EMTALA regulations.
Strong organizational skills, advanced computer literacy, and exceptional customer service capabilities are essential.
Prior leadership or charge nurse experience is advantageous, as is familiarity with throughput initiatives and hospital capacity management strategies.

Responsibilities

managing patient flow
ensuring timely, safe transitions across all levels of care
facilitating all patient transfers and direct admissions
contacting and securing physician acceptance for incoming patients
transcribing physician telephone orders when necessary
ensuring compliance with EMTALA regulations
monitoring real-time census data
assigning beds for medical-surgical, telemetry, and intensive care units
proactively addresses capacity challenges to prevent delays in care
Works with ED to prioritize admissions and reduce boarding times
Coordinates with ICU for high-acuity bed availability and urgent transfers.
Partners with Case Management for complex discharge planning and placement considerations.
Communicates with Hospital Leadership on capacity status and surge management.
Engages Ancillary Services (Radiology, Transport, Environmental Services) to expedite patient movement and room turnover.
facilitating the safe, efficient, and seamless transition of patients transferring from outside healthcare facilities as well as those transferring within the enterprise
interacting with internal and external partners through telephone, fax, email, and in person communication
coordinating patient movement
troubleshooting barriers
maintaining clear, timely communication
optimize patient throughput
support capacity management
enhance the overall patient care experience