Admission Coordinator (RN)

La Rabida Children’s Hospital provides specialized, family-centered health care to children with medically complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. Through expertise, compassion, and advocacy we help children and their families reach their fullest potential, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 49 beds, helps transition children from neonatal or pediatric intensive care to home, by providing medical, rehabilitative and developmental care, and by training families to continue treatments and manage the necessary equipment in the home. La Rabida also provides extensive rehabilitation for those recovering from wounds or burns and treatment for exacerbations of chronic conditions.

The hospital’s enhanced pediatric patient-centered medical home provides primary care to children with complex medical conditions and their siblings. Children with medical homes elsewhere come to La Rabida for specialty services. La Rabida offers a wide range of specialty services provided to children with sickle cell disease, diabetes, and many others. Children are supported in their emotional and developmental growth, particularly in cases where such growth has been interrupted by accident or disease.

Finally, La Rabida provides forensic and treatment services for children exposed to abuse and neglect, comprehensive assessments for youth in care, early intervention for children between 0 and 3 years of age. Care coordination services for medically complex children are also provided for those who are covered by a health plan and receive care from providers in Cook County

Summary: This position functions as a clinical liaison between La Rabida Children's Hospital and other  hospitals and health care organizations that serve as a referral base for La Rabida.  The Coordinator regularly works with Case Managers, physicians and families to assure that appropriate patients are referred, prior authorization is approved and patients admitted to La Rabida in an appropriate time frame.  This position also functions as the key clinical position in relationship building and maintaining and establishing new referral patterns.       

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the clinical point of contact for referral sources, including hospitals, healthcare systems, and community providers

• Coordinate incoming patient referrals by collaborating with external case managers, physicians, and La Rabida clinical teams

• Ensure referred patients meet appropriate admission criteria and are transferred or admitted within established timeframes

• Facilitate the prior authorization process by gathering clinical documentation and supporting approval for services

• Communicate directly with patients and families to provide updates, assist with coordination, and support a smooth admission experience

• Maintain strong working relationships with referral partners through ongoing communication and service coordination

• Identify opportunities to expand referral patterns and support outreach efforts to establish new referral sources

• Serve as a key contributor to relationship-building initiatives that enhance collaboration and continuity of care across organizations

• Education:  Graduation from an accredited  nursing program, BSN required
• Related Work Experience:  Minimum of 3 years in inpatient pediatric nursing, PICU or NICU experience helpful
• Licensure/Certification:  Current Illinois license as a Registered Nurse
• Specialized Knowledge and Skills:   Excellent clincial assessment skills, demonstrated knowledge of management of children with pediatric chronic conditions/disabilities. NICU experience preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skill. Ability to prioritize tasks and respond to multiple demands. Effective problem solving. Strong computer skills and knowledge of computer programs (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
• Employee must maintain automobile insurance.  La Rabida strongly recommends that the employee maintain the following liability limits:
• Automobile liability/$100,000 per person per accident; bodily injury/$300,000 aggregate per accident; property damage/$50,000 per accident; and automobile medical payments/$1,000 per person.
• CPR required.  Only certifications issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.   

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.