Staff Nurse - Utilization Review (ED)

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking a Staff Nurse to join our Utilization Management department for the Emergency Department

This position is a 0.6 FTE (6 shifts/ pay period), 8-hour shifts, Days, with up to Every Other Weekend rotation. Note: Note: Current weekend assignment is typically every 2-3 weeks however is subject to change based on staffing needs and may require up to Every Other Weekend coverage.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Utilization Review (UR) Registered Nurse is responsible for evaluating the medical necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of the use of healthcare services, procedures, and facilities. The RN conducts timely reviews of inpatient and outpatient medical records to determine the appropriateness of admissions, continued stays, and the level of care using established criteria and guidelines (lnterQual). This role collaborates with healthcare providers, patients, payers, and internal departments to ensure quality care while optimizing resource utilization and controlling costs.

Assessment: Reviews patient records to perform utilization review and verify patient status. Apply nationally recognized criteria (e.g., lnterQual) to assess the appropriateness of services.

Collaboration: Coordinates with clinical teams, payers, and discharge planners to support timely care progression and appropriate resource use.

Implementation: Follows the established UR workflows and UR Plan. Implements review processes to evaluate necessity and efficiency of services. Initiates communication with physicians and payers to resolve authorization issues and prevent delays in care.

Evaluation: Continuously evaluates the appropriateness of hospital admissions and continued stays in accordance with payer guidelines and evidence-based practice.

Quality of Practice: Promotes quality through evidence-based utilization review processes and actively contributes to performance improvement initiatives.

Education: Attains and maintains current knowledge in UR/UM practices, payer requirements, clinical guidelines, and regulations affecting utilization management.

Professional Practice: Evaluates personal practice and professional standards, licensing requirements, and Hennepin Healthcare policies.

Collegiality: Collaborates with nursing, providers, case management, finance, and payer representatives. Contributes to professional development by sharing knowledge and supporting team education.

Ethics: Applies ethical decision-making when handling authorization issues and coverage decisions. Advocates for patient needs while balancing organizational goals and payer requirements.

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Nursing Research: Applies evidence-based criteria for utilization review decisions. Supports data collection and reporting to enhance outcomes.

Resource Utilization: Considers safety, effectiveness, cost, and legal compliance when recommending levels of care or authorizations. Ensures documentation supports accurate level of care and compliance standards.

Leadership: Demonstrates leadership through decision-making, communication with multidisciplinary teams, and proactive problem-solving related to authorization and utilization challenges.

Self-Evaluation: Reviews and reflects on own practice related to guidelines, regulations, and departmental goals.

Safe Practice: Participates in maintaining a safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant work environment; adheres to Hennepin Healthcare's protocols and confidentiality standards.

Provide Education and Mentorship: Demonstrates knowledge and application of adult learning needs and principles. Understands, articulates, and promotes the HHS Nursing Vision and Practice Model in relation to skill set.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

As of March 1, 2026, the following are required for new hires or existing employees that would move into this role:

• A minimum of one (1) year of Utilization Review experience is required, with at least one year occurring within the past 12 months preferred

• At least two (2) years of recent acute care nursing experience (med/surg, ICU, ED, etc.) required to ensure independent clinical judgement

• OR an approved equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSN preferred and strongly encouraged

• ACM or CCM certification preferred

• Strong understanding of utilization review/utilization management principles

• Familiarity with lnterQual, MCG, or similar clinical decision-making tools

License/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of Minnesota.

You've made the right choice in considering Hennepin Healthcare for your employment. We offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals who want to make an impact in our patients' lives. We are dedicated to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to both current and prospective employees. We are driven to connect talented individuals with life-changing career opportunities, enabling you to provide exceptional care without exception. Thank you for considering Hennepin Healthcare as a future employer.

Please Note: Offers of employment from Hennepin Healthcare are conditional and contingent upon successful clearance of all background checks and pre-employment requirements.

• We offer a competitive pay rate based on your skills, licensure/certifications, education, experience related to this position, and internal equity.
• We provide an extensive benefits program that includes Medical; Dental; Vision; Life, Short and Long-term Term Disability Insurance; Retirement Funds; Paid Time Off; Tuition reimbursement; and license and Certification reimbursement (Available ONLY for benefit eligible positions).
• For a complete list of our benefits, please visit our career site on why you should work for us.