Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides clinical expertise and coordination of care for patients and families under direct or indirect supervision of a physician to ensure optimal patient care.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Nursing or equivalency; current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah; Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card or obtained within one month of hire; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

Two years case management experience is preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Conducts new patient interviews and assesses patient's function health and educational needs.
2. Monitors patient's lab values, test results and progress.
3. Provides patient/family education.
4. May assist in the physical exercise program providing clinical oversight for individual patient progress and assessment of physical condition.
5. Coordinates patient discharge needs to ensure smooth transition from hospital to outside agencies.
6. Acts as a liaison between patient and other medical providers regarding patient progress, symptoms and complications.
7. Participates in clinical pathway development and utilization.
8. Contacts insurance companies to verify coverage of services.
9. Provides follow up with patient after discharge to assess continuation of home program.
10. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams for assessing and evaluating patients care.
11. Participates in departmental continuing education and inservice programs.

Problem Solving

This position has the authority to make nursing practice decisions in his/her area of specialty as broadly defined by University of Utah Hospital, Nursing Practice Department and unit-specific policies and standards and as outlined in the Nurse Practice Act. Major challenges encountered by the incumbent include problems related to patients and/or patient's families; determining the appropriate nursing action in crisis/emergency situations; assessing and prioritizing patient needs.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.