Job Description

The Bed Control Coordinator RN oversees patient throughput in the hospital(s). The key roles and functions of this position are to optimize hospital bed capacity by matching patients’ clinical needs with available patient care units, coordinating emergency department admissions, Patient Hub transfers, and internal unit to unit upgrades or downgrades as well as discharges to maintain timely placements for all patients needing admission. Works closely with nursing, EVS and leadership to accomplish this.

Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluate the clinical acuity and needs of patients arriving from the Emergency Department (ED), operating rooms, or outside transfers from the Patient Hub to assign them to the appropriate unit.
• Monitor daily discharge lists and coordinate with unit nurses, case managers, and environmental services (housekeeping) to ensure rooms are cleaned and prepared rapidly for new admissions.
• Monitor the hospital's census, anticipate capacity bottlenecks, and work closely with clinical leaders to manage or escalate bed capacity issues during high-census periods.
• Acts as the primary liaison between providers, nursing staff, administrators, and Patient Hub to keep all stakeholders informed.
• Evaluates daily staffing grids with the House Supervisors, assisting in adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios, and reallocating resources (like sitters or float staff) to meet fluctuating patient volumes safely.
• Facilitates patient throughput with an on-going focus on quality and efficiency.
• Navigates or resolves bed assignment conflicts; escalates as needed to the appropriate resources.
• Prioritizes bed requests, coordinates bed assignment for all admissions and transfers into the hospital and between units, as necessary.
• Facilitates bed management meetings as needed.
• Assists in tracking and trending barriers to patient flow; makes recommendations and assists with the development of action plans to improve processes and systems.
• Applies understanding of EMTALA regulations to decisions regarding ER and inter-facility transfer patients.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members. Utilizes white boards for patient communication.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) when communicating with physicians and health care team.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends training as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards:

• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints, and questions; displays a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers.

Communication/Knowledge:

• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program.

Qualifications/Experience:

• One (1) year experience as a RN with broad-based clinical knowledge and experience in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Critical Care, or Emergency Department (ED), preferred.
• One (1) year experience as a Nursing House Supervisor in an acute care hospital, preferred.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within health care.