CARE COORDINATOR/DISCHARGE PLANNING - Full Time Day Shift

*Please note: Nursing wages were updated as part of FMH’s June 2026 Nursing Wage Scale Enhancement.*NATURE OF WORKFairfield Memorial Hospital is seeking a highly organized and patient focused Registered Nurse to serve as a Nurse Care Coordinator/Discharge Planner. This position plays a critical role in coordinating services and facilitating care transitions across the continuum of care, from primary care and emergency department encounters through inpatient admission, Swing Bed services, and post discharge follow up. The Nurse Care Coordinator/Discharge Planner is responsible for enhancing clinical outcomes, improving patient satisfaction, and promoting cost effective utilization of healthcare resources. This role collaborates closely with patients, families, providers, payers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure smooth care transitions, appropriate level of care determinations, discharge planning, utilization review, and authorization management. The position serves as an advocate for patients while supporting organizational goals related to quality, efficiency, reimbursement, and reduced hospital readmissions.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCoordinate patient care transitions across the continuum of care, including outpatient, emergency department, inpatient, Swing Bed, and post discharge services.Complete pre-admission and admission utilization review assessments utilizing InterQual Level of Care criteria and collaborate with providers to determine appropriate patient status and level of care.Develop and coordinate individualized discharge plans that address patient, family, and community resource needs.Monitor resource utilization, patient progress, and length of stay to promote efficient, cost-effective care and reduce readmissions.Communicate with patients, caregivers, providers, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care and successful care transitions.Educate and empower patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions and self-management activities.Submit clinical documentation to insurance providers and coordinate authorization, reimbursement, and payer review requirements.Conduct utilization reviews, manage denied claim appeals, and communicate appeal status with Revenue Cycle team members.Collaborate with Precertification Specialists, providers, Health Information Management, and Business Office staff to coordinate peer-to-peer reviews and authorization processes.Manage referrals and prior authorizations for Swing Bed services and other post-acute care needs.COMPENSATION: $34.00 – $46.50 per hour + Shift DifferentialSCHEDULE: Day ShiftBENEFITS403(b) Retirement PlanPPO Health Insurance PlanHDHP Health Insurance Plan w/ Health Savings AccountDental Insurance PlanVision Insurance PlanShort and Long Term Disability InsuranceBasic and Voluntary Life Insurance PlansPaid Time Off (Vacation/Sick/Illinois Paid Leave/Holiday)Flexible Work SchedulesProfessional Development OpportunitiesWHAT FMH HAS TO OFFERFairfield Memorial Hospital is a mission focused critical access hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care to the patients and families we serve, with a strong commitment to improving the health and well being of our community through compassionate service, clinical excellence, and a supportive culture that empowers employees to do their best work. FMH nurses average 10 years of service, reflecting the strength, stability, and long standing dedication of our clinical team. This depth of experience enhances mentorship, strengthens teamwork, and ensures continuity of care for the communities of Southern Illinois. Most recently, FMH implemented a revised Nursing Wage Scale in June 2026 to strengthen our commitment to competitive, market aligned pay for nursing professionals. This update reflects our dedication to recognizing clinical expertise, supporting long term career growth, and ensuring our nurses feel valued for the essential role they play in delivering exceptional care to our community. We value professional growth, collaboration, and a positive work environment where every team member plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission. FMH offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well being, and long term professional development. We strive to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a meaningful impact. FMH is a drug free workplace, and all candidates must complete a pre‑employment drug screening in accordance with Illinois law. We proudly uphold Equal Opportunity Employment practices and welcome applicants of all backgrounds without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONSRequired: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois.Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Certification in Case Management (CCM, ACM, or related certification).EXPERIENCEPreferred: Prior Care Management, Case Management, Discharge Planning, Utilization Review, or Care Coordination experience; Experience in acute care nursing, population health, or healthcare reimbursement processes.SKILLSStrong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking abilities.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, patients, families, payers, and interdisciplinary team members.Knowledge of utilization review principles and InterQual Level of Care criteria preferred.Understanding of healthcare reimbursement, insurance authorization, and appeals processes.Effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Experience with electronic health record documentation.Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.Commitment to patient advocacy, quality outcomes, and service excellence. #J-18808-Ljbffr Paycom - ATS