Patient Logistics RN Transfer Center

Patient Logistics RN

PRN. Must be EMT, Paramedic, or RN. Be part of a growing team dedicated to coordinating patient transfers across Iowawork closely with providers in a relaxing, off-site setting while making a meaningful impact on your community.

MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa's largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest's largest referral centers.

With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa's largest employers.

Position Purpose

A Patient Logistics RN serves as the central coordinator for complex patient transitions across the healthcare continuum, expertly managing inter-facility transfers while balancing clinical priorities, bed capacity constraints, and transportation logistics. This role serves as the first point of contact for referring hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community-based physicians/providers to coordinate emergent transfers and acute admissions to MercyOne Health Ministries. The specialized role requires exceptional clinical judgment to assess patient acuity, determine appropriate levels of care, and anticipate potential complications during transport. The Patient Logistics RN functions as a critical communication hub between referring physicians, accepting facilities, transport teams, and family members, ensuring that comprehensive clinical information is accurately conveyed to maintain continuity of care. Through meticulous attention to regulatory compliance, resource optimization, and patient advocacy, these professionals significantly impact patient outcomes, facility throughput, and healthcare system efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate and coordinate patient transfers between healthcare facilities, departments, or units
• Work in a fast-paced, ever changing working environment.
• Conduct clinical assessments of transfer requests to determine appropriate level of care needed
• Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and staff at both sending and receiving facilities
• Manages multi-phone call activity to minimize any delays experienced by customers
• Document all transfer information accurately in electronic health records and transfer systems
• Coordinate transportation arrangements including ground and air ambulances when necessary
• Monitor bed availability and collaborate with bed management teams
• Serve as a clinical resource for transfer-related questions and concerns
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to transfer processes
• Demonstrates knowledge of the use of emergency notification system (PULSARA) and takes initiative to activate system for emergency transfer of patients with STEMI, stroke, trauma, ECMO.
• Takes the initiative to anticipate problems, uses creative thinking and generates reports as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse license or equivalent licensure (i.e. Physician's Assistant) (also accepted EMT or Paramedic)
• Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience
• Critical care, emergency, or medical-surgical experience preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Experience with electronic health records and transfer management systems
• Basic knowledge Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to patient transfers
• Knowledge of eligibility requirements for insurance coverage with respect to healthcare services: ambulatory, observation stays, surgical, acute care, subacute and continuum of care services.
• High function computer technical skills required.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.