DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
The Admit/Discharge RN is responsible for managing and coordinating patient admissions and discharges on 2 Tower Oncology Med-Surg to ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant transitions of care. This role supports patient throughput, enhances documentation accuracy, improves patient and family education, and reduces the workload burden on bedside RNs.
The A/D RN works closely with physicians, case management, social services, pharmacy, other interprofessional team members, and bedside nursing staff to streamline processes and promote high-quality care.
SUPERVISION: Reports directly to Director of Nursing
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Complete the full RN admission assessment, including oncology-specific safety screenings (neutropenia, fall risk, skin integrity, central line status).
- Perform thorough medication reconciliation upon admission and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with pharmacy.
- Initiate care plans, education pathways, and regulatory screening requirements (sepsis, VTE, pain, suicide risk if applicable).
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation within EMR to meet CMS and DNV standards.
- Assist with rapid admissions, direct admits, and ED/PACU transfers to support hospital throughput.
- Review admissions from prior shift admits to ensure completeness of data collection, assessments and care planning.
- Provide comprehensive discharge teaching, including diagnosis, medications, chemotherapy precautions, DME needs, and home-care instructions, consistent with the Discharge Nurse Educator guidelines.
- Coordinate with pharmacy to ensure patient access to prescribed medications prior to discharge, including affordability pathways (e.g., Moss pharmacy programs).
- Confirm and/or schedule follow-up appointments with oncology providers, PCPs, specialists, and infusion services.
- Collaborate with and communicate discharge readiness with case management, social services and participate in multidisciplinary rounds.
- Complete post-discharge follow-up calls for patients meeting criteria (recent discharge, high readmission risk, or complex oncology care needs).
- Ensure all discharge documentation and regulatory requirements are completed with accuracy.
- Prioritize and manage multiple admissions and discharges to reduce delays and maintain patient flow.
- Participate in daily huddles, rounds, and throughput meetings as needed.
- Ensure compliance with DNV, CMS, ONS, and internal policies regarding transitions of care.
- Maintain high documentation standards to reduce readmissions and regulatory risk.
- Support quality initiatives related to falls, central lines, infection prevention, medication safety, and patient satisfaction.
- Provide individualized, culturally sensitive education to patients and caregivers.
- Assess and reinforce patient understanding of instructions using teach-back methodologies.
- Support symptom management education for oncologic conditions and treatment side effects.
- Serve as a central resource for nurses, providers, and ancillary staff regarding admission/discharge processes.
- Demonstrate excellence in communication, service, and teamwork.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical nursing practice.
The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- Graduate of School of Nursing
- Current Louisiana Registered Nurse license or compact state license as Registered Nurse
- BLS-CPR certified
- 5 years of bedside acute nursing care experience, preferred.
- OCN and MEDSURG-BC certification preferred
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Work requires a variety of physical activities including sitting, standing and walking.
- Bending, stooping, and lifting is minimal.
- The work environment may be physically confining.
- Must have normal hearing or utilize adaptive hearing devices if duties require listening with a stethoscope to discern breath sounds, heart sounds, and bowel sounds.
- Visual acuity required for a variety of activities.
- Ability to do shift work as required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
“Experience Memorial” is more than a slogan, it’s the care we provide our patients and it’s the commitment to our community and our team members. As a nationally certified Great Place to Work, at Lake Charles Memorial Health System you will have the opportunity to be a part of an organizational culture that supports not only exceptional patient care but also the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your success is celebrated.
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