Nurse Clinical Coordinator - UI Health Care (Multiple Openings)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Nurse Clinical Coordinator

Company: University of Iowa Community Clinics (UICC)

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Management

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provides direct nursing leadership and clinical oversight for diverse patient populations within UI Community Clinics and Clinical Outreach programs.

• Acts as a central clinical expert and liaison, facilitating seamless communication between medical staff, management, patients, and their families to ensure exceptional customer service and patient advocacy.

• Drives the implementation of new initiatives, service lines, and provider expansions by coordinating efforts across clinical and administrative teams.

• Leads and participates in evidence-based projects and Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives to enhance nursing outcomes and patient care delivery within specialty areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends clinical expertise with operational management, requiring a candidate comfortable with both direct patient interaction and administrative responsibilities, including staff scheduling and performance management. The multiple clinic locations and varied specialties indicate a need for strong adaptability and broad clinical knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary clinical resource and subject matter expert for patients and UI Community Clinics staff, offering guidance and support in specialized care areas.

• Coordinate and facilitate communication between medical staff, clinic management, patients, and families to ensure a cohesive and positive patient experience.

• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, and other healthcare professionals in the comprehensive planning, delivery, and evaluation of patient care across primary and specialty practice areas.

• Lead nursing personnel in the execution of specialized patient procedures and the implementation of evidence-based care management plans, ensuring adherence to best practices.

• Spearhead or contribute to evidence-based projects within assigned specialty areas, working with relevant leadership to implement practice changes and drive clinical excellence.

• Develop and deliver specialized health education to patients and health profession students, promoting health literacy and informed decision-making.

• Ensure strict adherence to internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and compliance standards in all clinical and administrative activities.

• Create and manage clinic staffing schedules, represent the clinic at daily huddles, proactively identify staffing gaps, and implement effective solutions to ensure adequate coverage.

• Assist in the review and processing of benefit requests within the time tracking system, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Participate actively in the recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of clinical staff, fostering a high-performing team environment.

• Provide real-time feedback and direction to clinical staff, leveraging expertise to enhance performance and maintain operational efficiency.

• Act as a key liaison between clinical staff, family members, and UI Community Clinics leadership, fostering transparent and effective communication channels.

• Apply specialized field expertise to improve nursing outcomes, lead evidence-based projects, and champion team-based care models.

• Troubleshoot and manage facility-related issues in real-time, ensuring a safe and functional clinical environment.

• Actively participate in Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives, contributing to the continuous enhancement of patient care processes and outcomes.

• Provide direct patient care and nurse triage responsibilities as needed, demonstrating flexibility to float to other clinics to support operational needs.

• Maintain a current, valid driver’s license and adhere to University Driving Policy Standards to support potential travel between clinic locations.

• Undertake other clinic duties as assigned, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the broader operational goals of UI Community Clinics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on clinical expertise and operational management. The emphasis on staffing, communication, and process improvement suggests a role that requires strong organizational and leadership skills in addition to clinical proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 1-3 years of nursing experience is required.

• 1 to 3 years' experience in patient care, particularly in ambulatory specialty, family medicine, and/or pediatrics is desired.

• Demonstrated leadership and training experience (e.g., Charge Nurse, Lead Staff Nurse) is desired.

Required Skills:

• Current, valid license to practice nursing in the state of Iowa.

• Current, valid driver’s license and ability to meet University Driving Policy Standards.

• Excellent organization and time management skills, critical for managing multiple clinics and responsibilities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general internet navigation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for liaison and team coordination roles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specifically EPIC.

• Experience with nursing triage protocols and procedures.

• Professional nursing certification is desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications emphasize foundational nursing education and experience, alongside essential operational and administrative competencies like organization, time management, and communication. The desired qualifications point towards candidates with specific clinical experience in outpatient settings and familiarity with key healthcare technologies like EPIC.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation of successful implementation of new clinical initiatives or service lines, demonstrating project management and coordination skills.

• Case studies detailing involvement in Quality Improvement (QI) projects, showcasing analytical abilities and impact on patient outcomes or operational efficiency.

• Examples of developed care management plans or patient education materials, highlighting expertise in patient advocacy and health promotion.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in developing or optimizing clinical workflows, particularly within ambulatory care settings.

• Provide examples of how data was used to identify process bottlenecks or areas for improvement in patient care delivery or clinic operations.

• Demonstrate an understanding of staff scheduling processes and strategies for managing coverage gaps effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong candidate for this role would benefit from a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to manage operational processes within a clinical setting, alongside their clinical expertise. This includes showcasing leadership in QI initiatives and effective workflow management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Dental Insurance: Dental coverage.

• Life Insurance: Life insurance benefits.

• Disability Insurance: Disability insurance coverage.

• Retirement Plans: Generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and sick leave.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position.

• Cedar Rapids Clinics: Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts, with flexible hours between 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Limited, rotating Saturday coverage may be required. No holidays or on-call time.

• Solon/Tipton/West Branch Clinics: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week, with variable hours between 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. No weekends, on-call time, or holidays required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical public university compensation for similar roles in the region. Specific salary will be determined by the University of Iowa's pay grade system and the candidate's qualifications. The benefits package is standard for a large public institution, offering robust coverage and retirement contributions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center / Community Clinics)

Company Size: Part of the University of Iowa, a large public research university with extensive healthcare operations, employing thousands. UI Community Clinics (UICC) itself comprises 38 clinics.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847. UI Health Care is a major component of the university.

Team Structure:

• The Nurse Clinical Coordinator will likely be part of a clinic management or nursing leadership team within UI Community Clinics.

• This role involves collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical assistants, administrative staff, and clinic managers across multiple locations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes using data from patient care, QI initiatives, and operational metrics to inform decisions and drive improvements.

• Patient-Centered Care: A core philosophy focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care that prioritizes patient needs and experiences.

• Team-Based Collaboration: Encourages interdisciplinary teamwork to provide comprehensive patient care and address operational challenges effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: Fosters a culture of ongoing learning, evidence-based practice adoption, and process optimization.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26002749&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large academic medical center like the University of Iowa implies a structured environment with a strong emphasis on quality, research, and education, alongside patient care. The "WE CARE" core values provide a clear framework for the expected organizational culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level management position within healthcare operations, focusing on clinical coordination and leadership. It bridges direct patient care with administrative and operational responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Nurse Clinical Coordinator will report to a higher-level manager within UI Community Clinics, such as a Clinic Manager, Operations Director, or Director of Nursing. They will, in turn, provide leadership and direction to clinical staff within their assigned areas.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts patient flow, staff efficiency, care quality, and patient satisfaction across multiple clinic sites. By optimizing operations, managing staffing, and leading QI initiatives, the coordinator contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness and reputation of UI Community Clinics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific medical specialties supported by UICC.

• Operational Leadership: Advancement to Clinic Manager, Operations Manager, or Director roles within UI Health Care.

• Quality Improvement & Education: Opportunities to lead larger QI projects, contribute to curriculum development for trainees, or pursue certifications in healthcare management or quality.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Exposure to various departments and leadership levels, fostering a broad understanding of healthcare system operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This position offers a solid foundation for a career in healthcare operations management, providing exposure to both clinical realities and the administrative levers that drive efficiency and quality in a large healthcare system.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role involving both direct patient care environments within clinics and administrative tasks that may be performed in clinic offices or potentially a shared administrative space.

Office Location(s):

• Cedar Rapids Clinics: Supporting Dermatology, OBGYN, Endocrine, Primary Care Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and multiple outreach clinics.

• Solon/Tipton/West Branch Clinics: Supporting Family Medicine Clinics in these specific locations and surrounding areas.

Workspace Context:

• Clinical Settings: Fast-paced clinic environments requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously. Interaction with diverse patient populations and clinical teams.

• Administrative Tasks: May include scheduling, reviewing benefit requests, participating in recruitment, and coordinating initiatives, potentially requiring time in office settings or dedicated administrative periods.

• Collaborative Environment: Frequent interaction with physicians, nurses, support staff, and management, fostering a team-oriented approach to problem-solving and patient care.

Work Schedule:

• Cedar Rapids: Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts, flexible hours between 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Requires occasional rotating Saturday coverage.

• Solon/Tipton/West Branch: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week, variable hours between 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

• No holidays or on-call time are required, offering a predictable schedule for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires comfort with a dynamic work environment that spans multiple clinic locations and involves both direct patient interaction and administrative duties. The flexibility in scheduling is a key aspect, balanced by the absence of holidays and on-call responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted resume and cover letter to assess qualifications alignment.

• Phone/Video Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or HR representative to delve deeper into experience, skills, and cultural fit. May include behavioral questions focused on leadership, problem-solving, and patient care scenarios.

• On-Site Interview: Potential for an in-person interview at one of the clinic locations, possibly including a tour and meeting with key team members (e.g., Clinic Manager, Lead Physician). May involve a case study or presentation.

• Skills Assessment: May include scenario-based questions related to staff management, patient triage, or QI initiatives.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership in Operations: Focus on examples where you improved clinic flow, managed staffing challenges, or implemented new operational processes. Quantify results where possible (e.g., reduced wait times, improved staff efficiency).

• Showcase Clinical Expertise: Include examples of patient education, care coordination, or specialized care management that demonstrate your clinical knowledge.

• Present QI Initiatives: Detail your role in quality improvement projects, including the problem identified, your actions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate Communication Skills: Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including patients, families, clinical staff, and management.

• Tailor to UICC Values: Align your portfolio examples with the "WE CARE" core values of the University of Iowa Community Clinics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Staffing Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a sudden absence of key staff members to ensure clinic operations continue smoothly.

• Patient Complaint Resolution: Outline your approach to addressing a patient or family complaint, focusing on empathy, problem-solving, and adherence to policy.

• Process Improvement Proposal: Think about a common challenge in an outpatient clinic setting (e.g., patient check-in, appointment scheduling, follow-up care) and prepare to propose an operational improvement.

• QI Project Outline: Be ready to discuss a QI project you've been involved in or would propose for a clinic setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should emphasize their ability to manage operational aspects of a clinic while maintaining a strong clinical focus. A portfolio demonstrating problem-solving, leadership in process improvement, and effective communication will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Experience with EPIC is desired and crucial for daily operations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (documentation), Excel (scheduling, data analysis), Outlook (communication), and PowerPoint (presentations) is required.

• Time Tracking Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing employee time and benefit requests.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic data analysis skills for understanding clinic performance metrics, patient flow, and QI data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but general understanding of CRM principles in patient relationship management may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with clinic scheduling software and patient communication platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with EPIC is a significant advantage. Candidates should highlight any experience with healthcare-specific operational software and data analysis tools that support clinical efficiency and patient management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Welcoming: Creating an inclusive environment where patients, trainees, and employees feel valued and supported.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in patient care, education, and research.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across departments and with external partners.

• Accountability: Acting with integrity, taking responsibility for actions, and addressing errors constructively.

• Respect: Fostering an environment of safety, dignity, and mutual respect for all.

• Empowerment: Promoting fair access to healthcare and educational opportunities, and supporting staff growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Emphasis on working closely with physicians, other nurses, and support staff to provide comprehensive patient care.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue between staff, management, and patients/families.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Collaborating to identify and resolve operational and clinical challenges efficiently.

• Mentorship and Support: A culture that supports knowledge sharing and provides guidance to junior staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are central to the University of Iowa's culture. Applicants should demonstrate how their work style and professional values align with these principles, particularly in areas of collaboration, respect, and commitment to excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multi-Site Management: Coordinating operations and providing consistent leadership across multiple clinic locations with varying specialties.

• Staffing Fluctuations: Proactively managing staffing needs and addressing unexpected absences to maintain service levels.

• Balancing Clinical and Administrative Duties: Effectively dividing time and focus between direct patient care responsibilities and operational/management tasks.

• Adapting to New Initiatives: Supporting the implementation of new services, technologies, or providers within the clinics.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality: Maintaining high standards of patient care and operational efficiency across all assigned sites.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Clinical Skills: Further development in specialized clinical areas or patient triage.

• Healthcare Management Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in healthcare administration, operations, or leadership.

• QI and Process Improvement: Leading and participating in projects that enhance clinical operations and patient outcomes.

• Mentorship: Gaining insights and guidance from experienced leaders within UI Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop robust skills in managing distributed healthcare operations and leading diverse clinical teams. The challenges are directly linked to the growth potential for candidates seeking to advance in healthcare management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a staffing shortage in a clinical setting. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, resourcefulness, and communication.)

• "How would you handle a situation where a patient or their family expressed dissatisfaction with the care received at one of our clinics?" (Assess communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and adherence to policy.)

• "Imagine we are implementing a new patient portal for appointment scheduling and communication. What would be your role in ensuring a smooth rollout and staff adoption?" (Evaluate change management, training, and process implementation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on the 'WE CARE' values, how do you see yourself contributing to our team culture?" (Connect personal values to organizational mission.)

• "Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Community Clinics specifically, and what do you know about our mission?" (Show research and alignment with the institution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key responsibility areas (e.g., Clinical Leadership, Operational Management, Quality Improvement, Staff Development).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your contributions (e.g., "Reduced patient wait times by 15%", "Improved staff adherence to protocols by 20%").

• Tell a Story: For each example, clearly articulate the challenge, your actions, and the results achieved.

• Highlight Adaptability: Showcase instances where you successfully navigated changes or managed operations across different clinic settings or specialties. Prepare to discuss your experience with EPIC and other relevant healthcare technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong clinical judgment, operational acumen, and leadership potential, all framed within the context of the University of Iowa's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Nurse Clinical Coordinator position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly articulate your Baccalaureate degree in Nursing, 1-3 years of nursing experience, and any relevant experience in ambulatory care, leadership, or specific specialties mentioned. Tailor your language to include keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your experience in clinical coordination, operational management (staffing, workflow optimization), Quality Improvement initiatives, and staff development. Include specific examples with quantifiable results where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to clinical leadership, operational challenges, patient care, and team collaboration. Be ready to discuss your experience with EPIC and other relevant technologies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Community Clinics, its "WE CARE" values, and its mission to provide comprehensive care across Iowa. Understand the scope of services offered at the Cedar Rapids and Solon/Tipton/West Branch locations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.