Manager - Inpatient Length of Stay in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Reports to the Summit Center Director, responsible for overseeing and improving patient throughput and hospital length of stay metrics. This role collaborates with clinical teams, case management, and administrative leadership to identify barriers to timely discharge, implement best practices, and ensure efficient care transitions. The LOS manager uses data driven strategies to reduce avoidable delays and enhance patient outcomes while maintaining high standards of care.

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.

Manages the daily activities of throughput to ensure high quality, efficient patient care by:

• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, case managers, financial analysts and ancillary services to address discharge barriers and streamline care delivery
• Lead daily interdisciplinary rounds focused on discharge planning and LOS optimization
• Coordinating staff time schedules, predicting short- and long-term staffing needs and adjusting in staffing levels. Also responsible for approval of payroll.
• Serve as a liaison between clinical and administrative teams to align LOS strategies with hospital goals.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to leadership and stakeholders
• Assists with service recovery, resolving customer concerns, conducting investigations and intervening when immediate attention is needed and reporting results to the appropriate person.

Assists with managing the overall operations of the department by:

• Participating in interviewing and the selection of new staff.
• Preparing and giving performance appraisals, coaching and, if necessary, disciplining staff as directed.
• Monitor and analyze LOS data across departments to identify trends, outliers, and opportunities for improvement
• Providing input into the formation of capital and operating budgets; also assisting with the implementation of cost-efficient programs.
• Develop and implement protocols and workflows to reduce unnecessary hospital days
• Educate staff on LOS goals, documentation standards, and discharge planning best practices
• Partner with IT and data analytics teams to ensure accurate reporting and dashboard development
• Facilitate performance improvement initiatives related to LOS and patient throughput
• Stay current with regulatory requirements, payer guidelines, and industry benchmarks related to LOS

Leadership Competencies

• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

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

• Completing other job-related duties 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

• Bachelor's Degree required. Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Indiana is preferred. A minimum of five years job related experience in acute care hospital setting; case management, utilization review, or care coordination experience preferred but not required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires strong understanding of hospital operations, discharge planning, and clinical workflows.
• Demonstrates solid management skills needed to provide effective direction, drive process improvement and manage the effective utilization of resources; also requires the ability to promote teamwork.
• Requires the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to build and maintain effective working relationships and interact in a highly effective manner with all levels of staff. Also requires the ability to disseminate information in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrates excellent planning and organization skills necessary for project planning and to coordinate the activities of diverse groups of individuals
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and electronic health records (EHR’s).
• Certification in case management (CCM), Lean Six Sigma or related field preferred.
• Experience with Oracle/Cerner or other major EHR’s preferred.
• Familiarity with CMS guidelines and payer requirements affecting LOS preferred.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, and possible exposure to biohazards.
• Requires schedule flexibility due to the department's 24 hours per day, 7 days per week operation.
• At risk for occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Physical Demands

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