Registered Nurse (RN) Care Coordinator, Full Time, First Shift, Internal Med-Pulmonology

Job Description

UC Health is hiring a full-time Registered Nurse (RN) Care Coordinator for the Internal Med Pulmonary department at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The Ambulatory RN - Care Coordinator is a vital member of the healthcare team responsible for ensuring seamless and high-quality care for patients in an ambulatory setting. This role involves both direct patient care and administrative responsibilities, with approximately 60% of time dedicated to patient-facing duties. The RN will support ambulatory physician clinics by seeing patients with complex and chronic disease that require additional support during outpatient visits. They will be involved in working with patients to develop and execute care plans, provide patient education, and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to optimize patient care and experience.

Responsibilities

Patient Population (Clinical Care)

• Communicates effectively with patients and families using age and population-appropriate approaches.
• Demonstrates knowledge of growth, development, and age-specific care considerations.
• Provides clear and comprehensive instructions regarding treatment plans and care.
• Involves patients, families, and caregivers in assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing care.
• Identifies physical limitations and implements appropriate interventions to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
• Recognizes and appropriately responds to behavioral health concerns.
• Interprets population-specific data to guide patient care planning and interventions.
• Addresses psychological, cultural, religious, and social factors that may impact care delivery.
• Safely performs treatments, administers medications, and operates clinical equipment.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and follows appropriate reporting procedures.

Patient Assessment & Interventions

• Serves as an expert clinician and role model in delivering high-quality patient care within the specialty area.
• Utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Performs comprehensive health assessments and reassesses patients throughout clinic visits as needed.
• Documents nursing histories, assessments, and referrals accurately and timely.
• Collects, analyzes, and monitors basic and advanced patient data to identify trends affecting health outcomes.
• Maintains patient comfort and safety throughout the ambulatory care experience and continually assesses environmental safety risks.
• Responds to emergent situations using evidence-based nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Provides accurate and effective handoff communication during transitions of care.
• Identifies and reports changes in patient condition, including abnormal diagnostic and laboratory findings.
• Performs point-of-care testing and interventions to support clinical outcomes and patient experience.
• Develops and implements individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Utilizes evidence-based clinical pathways to promote consistent, high-quality care.
• Demonstrates competency in medication administration, wound care, and other direct nursing interventions.
• Completes nurse visits and clinical documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Assists with minor procedures and diagnostic testing while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Monitors patient progress, communicates findings to the healthcare team, and adjusts care plans as necessary.
• Supports patient recruitment and participation in clinical research studies when appropriate.
• Collaborates with staff nurses on quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Establishes rapport with new patients by introducing self and explaining the nursing role.
• Prioritizes patient care needs effectively based on assessment findings and clinical judgment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and accountability when evaluating and implementing provider orders.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and real-time nursing documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.
• Maintains a professional, positive, and collaborative demeanor in all interactions and remains composed during challenging or emergent situations.

Patient Education

• Assesses patient and family educational needs related to health promotion, disease management, diagnostic testing, treatment plans, and interdisciplinary care.
• Educates patients and families on medical conditions, medications, treatment plans, and self-care strategies.
• Evaluates understanding and provides reinforcement or additional education as needed.
• Incorporates current evidence-based literature and best practices into patient education.
• Serves as an expert resource for disease-specific and clinic-based patient education.
• Documents educational interventions, patient responses, and demonstrated understanding.

Facilitation of Care

• Coordinates referrals, follow-up appointments, and access to services to ensure seamless transitions across the continuum of care.
• Communicates test results, treatment recommendations, and follow-up plans effectively with patients and families.
• Addresses patient concerns while providing ongoing support, advocacy, and guidance.
• Anticipates evolving patient and family needs to reduce delays in care, improve access, minimize financial barriers, and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care team meetings and treatment planning discussions.
• Collaborates with social workers, dietitians, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to address comprehensive patient needs.
• Serves as a liaison between departments and coordinates interdepartmental initiatives and projects.
• Participates in transition-of-care planning and execution.
• Documents collaborative care plans developed with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Supports prior authorization processes for medications, treatments, and diagnostic services.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Participates in nursing, departmental, and organizational committees that influence patient care delivery and clinical practice.
• Assists in the development, revision, and implementation of nursing policies and procedures.
• Promotes and supports evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Collaborates in system-wide performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Demonstrates leadership within the healthcare team while promoting accountability, responsibility, and excellence in patient care.
• Serves as a clinical resource and subject matter expert within the specialty area.
• Participates in staff orientation, competency validation, and educational programs as assigned.
• Precepts and mentors nursing students, clinical interns, and healthcare professionals, fostering professional development and learning opportunities.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging research, clinical guidelines, and specialty nursing practices.
• Actively participates in and contributes to staff meetings and professional development activities.

Compliance & Safety

• Maintains confidentiality and protects patient information in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Demonstrates understanding of regulatory, accreditation, and compliance standards impacting patient care delivery.
• Ensures adherence to departmental and organizational safety policies and procedures.
• Partners with nursing leadership and interdisciplinary teams to identify, implement, and share safety best practices.
• Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, EMTALA, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and reimbursement processes.
• Utilizes safety reporting systems effectively to identify, document, and escalate patient safety concerns as appropriate

Qualifications

• Minimum Required: Associate's Degree - Nursing. Preferred: Bachelor's Degree - Nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Ohio. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.
• Minimum Required: Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in an ambulatory or outpatient setting.

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About UC Health

UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, UC Health combines clinical expertise and compassion with research and teaching-a combination that provides patients with options for even the most complex situations. Members of UC Health include: UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, University of Cincinnati Physicians and UC Health Ambulatory Services (with more than 900 board-certified clinicians and surgeons), Lindner Center of HOPE and several specialized institutes including: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Many UC Health locations have received national recognition for outstanding quality and patient satisfaction. Learn more at uchealth.com.

At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors.

UC Health is an EEO employer.