PATIENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Job Summary:

• The Patient Placement Specialist on duty is responsible for selecting appropriate accommodations for each patient, coordinating patient bed placement and planning for future bed demands. Reports directly to the Patient Care Supervisor and Patient Care Manager. Assignment of rooms will be based on the needs of the patient, the condition of the patient, and the provisional diagnosis given at the time of admission. Emergency admissions will be given priority according to the needs of each individual patient, and isolation rooms are available for patients whose condition requires that type of accommodation. Assignments made will include assignments for new admits, ER admits, in-house transfers, and transfers from other facilities. Performs other job duties as assigned.
• When conditions exist at the unit level that will affect admission of patients to that unit the Patient Care Supervisor will communicate with Patient Placement Specialist regarding the plan for further admission to that unit.
• Patient Placement Specialist will communicate with nursing personnel when normal admission procedure cannot be carried out (e.g. orthopedic patient needing admission when the orthopedic unit is at 100% occupancy). Directors/Patient Care Supervisors will advise Room Assignment regarding the appropriate placement of these patients.

Performance Expectations:

• Demonstrates skills to maintain and provide for a clean and safe work environment.
• Embraces and practices We CARE philosophy in all aspects of patient, visitor, co-worker, employee and non-employee care.
• Demonstrates thorough, concise and timely documentation, shift reports and verbal communication. Communicates pertinent patient information to all health care team members.
• Demonstrates the appropriate placement of patients dependent upon the physician specified diagnosis.
• Communicates with the Patient Care Supervisor bed availability.
• Facilitates smooth transitions between appropriate units to meet the needs of the facility based on patient needs and bed availability.
• Demonstrates technical aptitude for performing general unit duties and basic computer skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate and interact with patients, families, visitors, and the health care team.
• Demonstrates proper, secure documentation in the electronic medical record.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Work Experience:

Experience in a physician office or hospital setting preferred. Experience operating a personal computer

and calculator accurately preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Must have good oral and written communication skills.