RN Clinical Admissions Specialist

The RN Clinical Admissions Specialist at Sanford Health is responsible for coordinating and managing the clinical aspects of patient admissions across our Healthcare & Medical Services settings, including clinics, hospitals, and senior living facilities. In this role, you will use your nursing expertise to review referrals, assess clinical appropriateness for admission, verify medical necessity, and ensure that each patient is directed to the right level of care in a timely, safe, and compassionate manner. Working closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, care coordinators, and intake teams, the RN Clinical Admissions Specialist gathers and reviews clinical documentation, evaluates patient history and current condition, and determines whether admission criteria are met based on organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and payer guidelines. You will communicate directly with referring providers, patients, and families to clarify clinical information, explain admission decisions, discuss available care options, and support a smooth transition into Sanford Health facilities and services. This position requires strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and attention to detail, as you will screen patients for appropriate service lines such as acute inpatient, observation, rehabilitation, specialty clinics, and senior living or post-acute care. You will help ensure that admissions align with quality and safety standards, and that all necessary orders, authorizations, and documentation are in place prior to arrival. You will also collaborate with case management, bed management, and scheduling teams to promote efficient patient flow and optimal use of resources. As an RN Clinical Admissions Specialist, you will make extensive use of electronic health record (EHR) and referral management systems to track referrals, document clinical assessments, and maintain accurate records of admission decisions and communications. You will monitor admission queues, prioritize urgent and high-acuity cases, and escalate complex situations to clinical leaders or physicians as needed. You may assist in developing and updating admission screening tools, workflows, and best practices to support consistency and quality across the admissions process. In alignment with Sanford Health’s mission and culture, this role emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered communication and teamwork. You will help patients and families navigate what can be a confusing time by providing clear explanations, setting expectations for the admission and onboarding process, and connecting them with appropriate resources or support services when needed. You will also participate in quality improvement initiatives related to access, patient flow, readmissions, and patient experience. Sanford Health fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration. As an RN Clinical Admissions Specialist, you will have opportunities to work with clinical care leaders and interdisciplinary teams, contribute your insights to process improvements, and grow professionally within one of the largest health systems in the United States. This role is ideal for an experienced nurse who enjoys a blend of clinical assessment, coordination, communication, and systems-based practice, and who is committed to ensuring that every patient receives the right care in the right place at the right time.