Patient Flow Coordinator, RN

Overview

The ED Patient Flow Coordinator is responsible for the overall movement of patients through the ED in a safe and efficient manner. The position will coordinate all patient care activities and be a liaison to the ED physician to ensure that care will be delivered in a safe and efficient manner. The ED Patient Flow Coordinator appropriately delegates the workload and is a role model for teamwork, leadership and professionalism in the ED.

Job Function Patient Flow

• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Manages front line operations of area of accountability related to meeting/exceeding departmental goals, 5 keys of excellence, DCH Mission and Vision.
• Serves the liaison to the Triage RN, and will give a “quick look” triage to those patients received via ambulance.
• Acts as a physician liaison by anticipating the patient’s plan and aggressively updating and expediting the plan of care with the physician.
• Has authority to direct all of the team members regarding prioritization and patient flow.
• Helps minimize physician interruption by serving as a point person for the MDs and by facilitating communication with all other providers.
• Assigns patients to teams and rooms.
• Monitors room availability and turnover.
• Assures that orders, specimen collections and treatments are coordinated.
• Notifies the MD and other providers when a patient is ready for disposition.
• Is a liaison with other departments and checks on delays in all sub-processes, including lab, pharmacy and consults.
• Coordinates admissions and transfers.
• Monitors tracking board, oversees use of tracking board for caregivers and keeps data current.
• Maintains the ED teams (Care Track, etc.) and encourages the teams to abide by the team guidelines.
• Sets priorities for patient placement by setting priorities for ED admits and discharges.
• Communicates with the Administrative Supervisors on ongoing basis as unit situation changes.
• Uses triggers/criteria to eliminate potential bottlenecks.
• Ensuring use of set protocols when appropriate.

Job Function Staffing

• Attends “ED Huddles” and communicates accurate information including current patients in ED, potential admissions, staffing needs/status and number of “borders”
• Provides minimal clinical intervention with patients, but provides clinical consultation to all caregivers.
• Collaborates with Department Team Leader on moving staff to expedite patient flow.

Job Function Quality Management

• Reports status of patient flow processes and team performance in ED Committee and Patient Throughput Team and contributes to problem resolution and modifications of processes as necessary.
• Is accountable for defined quality measures including patient wait times in the ED.
• Holds staff nurses and MD’s accountable for defined quality measures for patients wait time.

Job Function Leadership and Teamwork

• Addresses and resolves patient flow problems during his/her shift.
• Leads by example by modeling professional behaviors in solving problems, and customer service. Encourage practices open communication among all staff members.
• Demonstrates and maintains clinical excellence in Emergency Nursing Clinical Practice.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform in a professional manner during crisis or emergency situations.
• Provides feedback to staff regarding performance and reports staff performance concerns to the Team leader and communicates any issues involving Providers with Lead Physician or ED Medical Director.
• Maintains exemplary attendance and availability according to department need.
• Collaborates with peers to assure coverage of role (ie: unexpected absences, vacation time, etc.).
• Encourages a safe environment by promoting adherence to established protocols, policies and procedures.
• Displays sound judgment and critical thinking skills in areas of decision-making and problem-solving.
• Directs activities toward support of DCH Mission and achievement of Department goals and objectives.
• Communicates information verbally and in writing to appropriate persons.
• Demonstrates knowledge of documentation and down-time procedures.
• Observes and practices DCH policy concerning patient confidentiality including on-line…