About the role
Location: Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Position Summary Opening Summer 2026 at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL. The Orlando Health System of Care includes award-winning hospitals and ERs, specialty institutes, urgent care centers, primary care practices and outpatient facilities that span Florida’s east to west coasts, Central Alabama and Puerto Rico. Collectively, our dedicated team members honor our over 100-year legacy by providing professional and compassionate care to the patients, families and communities we serve. Join us! Combining the collective strengths of two powerhouse organizations, Orlando Health and the high-quality physicians at Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care for patients in Polk County and beyond. Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital – a state-of-the-art, seven-story, multi-specialty hospital – will serve as a vital 550,000 square-foot healthcare hub offering: 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds 11 operating rooms and four cardiac interventional suites Dedicated labor and delivery services – including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that will debut shortly after the hospital opens Comprehensive cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology services Advanced surgical procedures Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Polk County as part of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital opening team and share in the privilege of saying you were there from the very beginning. Benefits Beyond the Expected Orlando Health is committed to providing you with benefits that go beyond the expected, with career-growing FREE education programs and well-being services to support you and your family through every stage of life. We begin your benefits on day one and offer flexibility wherever possible, so that you can be present for your passions. “Orlando Health Is Your Best Place to Work” is not just something we say, it’s our promise to you. Benefits that begin on Day 1 Four (4) weeks paid parental leave Debt-free degrees through our Preferred Education Program Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs Back-up childcare and elder care Fertility benefits and adoption assistance NCLEX reimbursement Free NCPDs for RN license Free Kaplan review courses Dedicated RN career counselor and GN Coordinators to develop you Specialty certifications reimbursement And more! Position Summary: Promotes and facilitates effective management of hospital resources from admission to discharge, collaborating with the assigned clinical team to identify patients most likely to benefit from care coordination services to include assessing patients’ risk factors and the need for care coordination, clinical utilization management and the transition to the next appropriate level of care. Responsibilities Essential Functions • Initially and concurrently assesses all patients within assigned population to include, but not limited to: • Accurate medical necessity screening and submission for Physician Advisor review Care coordination that includes admitting diagnosis/ medical history, current treatments, age, payment source, resources, support systems, anticipated needs, expected length of stay, appropriate level of service, special/ personal needs, and other relevant information. • Assignment of initial DRG to determine GMLOS, while concurrently monitoring and managing LOS and transition planning as appropriate through assessment and reassessment and the application of InterQual guidelines. • Leading and facilitating multi-disciplinary patient care conferences • Managing concurrent disputes • Making appropriate referrals to other departments • Identifying and referring complex patients to Social Work Services • Communicating with patients and families about the plan of care • Leading and facilitating Complex Case Review • Identification and documentation of potentially avoidable days • Identification and reporting over and underutilization • Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards including Federal, State, Local and Joint Commission with review requirements for Managed Contracts, Medicare, Medicaid, and Campus related to admission and continued stay approval. • Adheres to Utilization Management Plan. • Integrates National standards for care management scope of services including: -Utilization Management supporting medical necessity and denial prevention -Transition Management promoting appropriate length of stay, readmission prevention and patient satisfaction -Care Coordination by demonstrating throughput efficiency while assuring care is the right sequence and appropriate level of care. -Education provided to physicians, patients, families, and caregivers. • Communicates appropriately and timely with the interdisciplinary team and third-party payers. • Prioritizes activities in assigned areas to focus on high risk, high cost, and problem prone areas. • Develops collaborative relationships with patient business, nursing, physicians, and patient/family to facilitate efficient movement through the continuum of care. • Monitors and evaluates data, fiscal outcomes, and other relevant information to develop and implement strategies for improvement. • Forwards identified quality and/or risk issues appropriately. • Maintains positive relationships with outside/onsite reviewers and other payer representatives. • Identifies cultural, socio-economic, religious, and other factors that may impact treatment. • Involves patient’s family in the development of the treatment plan as appropriate while explaining procedures, therapies, systems treatment plans, and discharge plans in age/developmental/educational specific terms to patient/family. • Reviews patient’s discharge plan at multidisciplinary meetings and/or staffing to facilitate communication with other healthcare team members. • Prioritizes workload to manage multiple priorities while using problem-solving skills to meet goals. • Enhances professional growth by participating in educational programs, current literature and/or workshops. • Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment. • Respects the rights and privacy of others and holds staff member information in strict confidence. • Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards. • Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures. Qualifications Education/Training • Graduate of an approved school of nursing. Licensure/Certification • Must hold and maintain a current Florida RN license. • Handle with Care (HWC) Certification is required for the Behavioral Health Unit within 90 days of hire. The Handle with Care training and education will be provided onsite to all team members. Experience • Three (3) years of experience in chronic disease management, care management, care coordination, utilization management, or acute clinical care.