GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Scheduling Nurse-LPN is responsible for facilitating access to Medical Center services. Secures medical necessity/diagnosis and patient demographic and financial information from physicians, physician staff, health care facilities, patients and patient representatives. Collects and analyzes pertinent clinical data as related to the procedure(s) scheduled, intervening to prevent problems that could result in adverse patient outcomes or delated/cancelled procedures. The Scheduling Nurse-LPN contributes to an efficient and effective work environment through activities including professional communication and documentation, preceptoring and/or resourcing of others.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
2. *Performs multi-resource appointment scheduling for inpatient/outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic services received from physician and/or physician staff. Attains patient information including medical necessity/diagnosis, demographics, and pertinent clinical information as related to the procedures scheduled. Collects and documents information beyond that listed in procedural questionnaire based on critical assessment of patient history.
3. *Integrates physical, mental, and cultural considerations in scheduling of patient procedures, coordinating services to ensure the Medical Center is patient ready on customer arrival.
4. Educates patient/patient representative on preparation and understanding of procedures.
5. *Collaborates with physician office staff to educate the patient/patient representative on preparation and understanding of scheduled procedures; clearly communicates instructions to patient and/or patient representative.
6. Provides recommendations and education to physician office staff commensurate with scope of practice in scheduling of procedures.
7. *Reviews and evaluates outpatient orders received from the physician and/or physician staff; uses clinical judgment/critical thinking to follow-up on appropriateness and completeness of physician orders as they relate to procedures ordered.
8. *Receives and documents verbal physician orders.
9. Screens/determines appropriateness of level of care and admission status; notifies appropriate departments based on assessment of patient needs.
10. Documents pre-certification/authorization/referral information when applicable.
11. Keeps Patient Service Center and Scheduling Manager informed of issues related to procedures including but not limited to: necessary questionnaire revisions, updates related to departmental requests and need for new or revised procedures build.
12. *Serves as a liaison in building and maintaining professional relationships between physicians, physician office staff and other health care personnel.
13. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of nursing theory,anatomy and physiology, procedural indications, and medical/ nursing terminology.
2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications, including the computer based scheduling system, telephonic communications, and software applications relevant to work functions.
3. Knowledge of hospital operations, including automated health information systems.
4. Knowledge of federal regulations including COBRA, corporate compliance and third party payer requirements.
5. Skill in exercising professional judgment, courtesy and tact in daily interactions with physicians, physician staff and health care facilities.
6. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
7. Ability to prioritize work based on analysis of information from physicians, physician staff, health care facilities, patients or family members.
8. Ability to establish therapeutic communication with patients and patient representatives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff across the medical center, medical staff, and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.
9. Ability to actively participate in planning, organizing and coordinating multiple tasks/projects with minimal supervision.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
11. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Licensed Practical Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act. Minimum of three (3) years medical/surgical experience to include extensive experience of hospital/health operations and general background in all areas of nursing practice required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(DOT) – Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.