Utilization Review Nurse (PRN/Weekend Shift)

Description The Utilization Review (UR) Nurse is responsible for conducting admission and continued stay reviews to ensure appropriate utilization of hospital resources and compliance with medical necessity criteria, payer requirements, regulatory standards, and organizational policies. The UR Nurse works collaboratively with physicians, case managers, revenue cycle staff, and interdisciplinary care teams to facilitate appropriate patient status determinations and optimize reimbursement while supporting quality patient care. This position requires extensive acute care nursing experience and demonstrated expertise in utilization review within a hospital setting. This is a PRN position and is subject to the organization’s PRN scheduling, shift, and holiday requirements described below. This PRN position will be working weekends (either 4, 8, or 12 hour shifts).

Requirements

• Perform hospital admission reviews to determine medical necessity and appropriate patient status (inpatient, observation, outpatient).
• Conduct continued stay reviews using approved clinical criteria and guidelines.
• Evaluate clinical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with payer and regulatory requirements.
• Apply evidence-based criteria such as InterQual® and/or MCG®.
• Communicate review findings and recommendations to physicians, case management staff, and leadership.
• Collaborate with Physician Advisors regarding complex cases or cases not supported by criteria.
• Assist with denial prevention activities and accurate documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Proficient in multiple Electronic Health Records and case management systems
• Strong communication skills. Communicates clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to frequent changing business needs
• Ability to work independently, needing minimal supervision
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN): preferred
• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Minimum five (5) years of acute care nursing experience in a hospital setting
• Minimum two (2) years of recent hospital-based or health plan utilization review experience
• Experience with acute admission reviews and continued stay reviews
• Certified Case Manager (CCM), Accredited Case Manager (ACM), or Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN), or Case Management Board Certification (CMGT-BC): preferred.
• PRN (per diem) position requiring a minimum of forty (40) hours per month when hours available.
• At least twenty-four (24) of the required monthly hours must be worked on weekend shifts.
• Shift options of four (4) or eight (8) hours, based on departmental needs and manager approval.
• Additional hours may be scheduled based on departmental needs and employee availability.
• Schedule is posted one calendar month at a time; availability must be submitted thirty (30) days in advance (e.g., by June 30 for the August schedule).
• Required to work two (2) of the six (6) organization-recognized holidays each calendar year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
• Must maintain flexibility and communicate availability in accordance with department scheduling practices.
• Expected to report to work as scheduled and follow all attendance and call-off policies. Failure to meet minimum monthly hours or holiday requirements may result in review of PRN status or corrective action.
• Conditions typically associated with an office environment. While performing the essential duties and responsibilities, the employee is regularly required to speak or hear. May be frequently required to sit, stand or walk. Moderate to prolonged reading, typing, and computer work. Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity that may include lifting up to 25 pounds. Subject to exposure to all environmental hazards associated with healthcare and office work.