Access Triage Nurse Coordinator

Access Triage Nurse Coordinator

Access Triage Nurse Coordinator (RN) coordinates all admission-related activities during the assigned shift. This role performs triage assessments, supports medical clearances with Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs), gathers clinical information, and helps ensure appropriate admissions and referrals. The coordinator also manages pre-admission case activities, including obtaining medical records and required clinical documentation prior to evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Triage all incoming patients and gather clinically relevant information for the Physician/LIP.
• Assist LIPs with medical clearances in accordance with policy.
• Conduct patient/family interviews, identify urgent/critical situations, and communicate concerns promptly to the LIP.
• Assess and intervene in emergency situations; direct staff response and notify appropriate administrative staff or emergency services as needed.
• Operate within professional scope of practice and support safe, effective patient flow through the access/admissions process.
• Provide shift oversight and direction to staff under the guidance of the Access Supervisor/Director.
• Serve as a clinical and administrative resource to the Access Team during assigned shifts.
• Document patient information accurately and within required timeframes using approved abbreviations and charting standards.
• Enter and maintain patient demographics, insurance, and clinical data in required systems; complete admissions/referral workflows, schedule appointments, and update existing records.
• Communicate pending admissions to units and coordinate outpatient treatment arrangements as needed.
• Perform payer pre-certification/authorization reviews in the absence of a pre-cert specialist.
• Support patient and family comfort and service needs with tact, sensitivity, and timely response.
• Provide coverage for registration, access support specialist, and other intake functions as needed.
• Answer and triage telephone inquiries; provide information on inpatient/outpatient services; schedule patients at appropriate locations.
• Participate in hospital committees as appointed.
• Complete daily EMTALA audits and present data to administrative committee as required.
• Model I CARE standards, organizational ethics, and codes of conduct.
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned and adhere to organizational competencies and behavior standards.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited RN program
• Ability to write reports and manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer proficiency (may include Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite)

Preferred Qualifications

• BSN or MSN
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an acute care psychiatric setting or substance abuse facility
• Previous experience as an NJ screener or in admissions
• ED experience, triage, handling difficult patients

Licenses & Certifications

Required:

• Active New Jersey RN License (Professional Registered Nurse)
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (HCP) — required or completion within the first 90 days of employment

Preferred:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Certification

This position currently has 3 openings: Per Diem: 3 X Nights - 7:00 pm - 7:00 am