Job Summary

The role of the Admissions Nurse is to manage the admissions process and ensure the smooth functioning of day-to-day medical operations in the Outpatient department. This role requires a combination of clinical expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with both patients and staff members.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assists with initial patient assessments upon admission to determine medical needs, withdrawal risks, and appropriate level of care.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to assess prospective patients for admission to Sanford.
• Obtains medical records for prospective patients prior to admission.
• Provides education to patients and their families regarding medications and treatment.
• Coordinates with referring providers to ensure proper coordination of care, prior to a patient’s admission.
• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to coordinate patient care and services.
• Ensures clients remain medically stable and continuously assesses appropriate level of care using level of care guidelines and critical thinking skills.
• Communicates client concerns to the provider, which includes but is not limited to, acute withdrawal symptoms, medication effectiveness, medication side effects, and/or abnormal vital signs.
• Performs nurse to nurse communication for admissions, when necessary.
• Checks voicemail and returns phone calls on a timely basis.
• Assesses client suicidality and possibility of danger to self or others.
• Provides effective communication by directing clients in a clear, concise, and informative manner.
• Utilizes an electronic medical record (EMR system) for all documentation.
• Works with local emergency departments on coordinating care and incoming transfers.
• Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of medical, personal, and financial information.
• Meets regularly with the interdisciplinary team to discuss client treatment.
• Attends and stays up to date on trainings and policies like Handle with Care, Basic Life Support, and HIPAA.
• Adheres to the established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and the employee handbook.
• Keeps professional license current and in good standing with the State of Michigan.
• Attends mandatory monthly nursing meetings for continuity of care, education, and implementing new processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with current licensure in Michigan, required.
• Prior experience with substance uses disorder or eating disorders, preferred.
• Current CPR/BLS Certification, required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all client records and business-related records, as required under HIPAA guidelines.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, eating disorders, mental health illnesses and associated treatments.
• Ability to access substance abuse withdrawal.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail and efficient time management.
• Knowledge and proficiency in medication administration.
• Ability to adhere to and knowledge of all HIPAA guidelines.
• Ability to demonstrate communication skills, self-motivation, organization skills, critical thinking, and good decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to identify own strengths and areas of improvement and communicate needs to supervisor.
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; build appropriate rapport; build constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.
• Ability to be accountable and ability to take/give constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking is required (4-8 hours).
• Must be able to sit at a desk for various durations while working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift prone patients with assistance or use of equipment.
• Must be able to use laboratory equipment, i.e., centrifuge, phlebotomy tools, basic medical equipment, etc.
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching with or without assistance.
• Must be able to safely handle biohazardous materials, i.e., blood and urine, etc.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands.
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly.
• Must be able to lift and carry medical supplies, medications, etc. weighing up to 45 pounds, as required.
• May occasionally carry or lift items in excess of 35 pounds, with or without assistance.
• May occasionally push/pull medical equipment of varying weights, with or without assistance.
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.