OPT Utilization Review Nurse Jobs
Utilization Review Nurse jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with a nursing degree and clinical background. These roles typically require an active RN license, which can complicate OPT timelines. Most positions are full-time and STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.
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INTRODUCTION
Your experience matters
Denver Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Utilization Review Specialist joining our team, you’re embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.
ABOUT THE JOB
More about Denver Springs
Denver Springs is a 96-bed behavioral health hospital that offers exceptional care to the Englewood area.
Why choose Denver Springs?
- A Healing, Supportive Environment of Care
- Evidence-Based, Nationally Recognized Treatment Programs
- Experienced, Compassionate Clinical Experts
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Registered Nurse (RN), Utilization Review Specialist who excels in this role will:
- Receive inquiry calls and assists the caller with scheduling a face-to-face, phone, or tele-assessment—Triages individuals based on safety risk
- Assesses or ensures assessment by a qualified mental health professional of patients who present for assessment
- Screens for medical and behavioral emergency conditions
- Performs a comprehensive assessment and quality therapeutic care to patients seeking treatment for substance abuse, dual diagnosis, or psychiatric or emotional disorders; coordinates with the clinical team/on-call physician to ensure these needs are met at the facility or other appropriate community providers
- Interprets treatment to patient and family to help reduce fear and other attitudes obstructing acceptance of care and continuation of treatment
- Completes the administrative processes of admission and precertification of care with external payers, as necessary
- Administer nursing care to ill or injured persons by assisting in caring for patients by giving direct care
- The RN will coordinate and deliver quality general and psychiatric nursing care to patients hospitalized for treatment of substance abuse, dual diagnosis, or psychiatric or emotional disorders
- The RN will ensure the safety and well-being of each patient
- The RN ensures all medical orders are followed, initiates and follows treatment planning, and acts as a patient advocate at all times
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should have a current Colorado or Compact State RN license and possess an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing school. Additional requirements include:
- Education: Bachelor of Science (BSN) preferred, Associates required
- Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; ACLS, PALS, and Handle with Care preferred, but must have within 30 days of hire
SCHEDULE
Schedule: FT Days 8a – 4:30p Monday through Friday
COMPENSATION
Pay Range: $39.15-$52.85 p/hr
WHY JOIN US
We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
- Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
- Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
- Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.
Connect with a Recruiter
Not ready to complete an application, or have questions? Please contact Lisa Lambert by emailing Lisa.Lambert@lifepointhealth.net.
EEOC Statement
“Denver Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Denver Springs is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.”
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Utilization Review Nurse
Confirm your RN license is active before applying
Utilization review roles require an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where you'll work. Verify your license is in good standing before submitting applications. Licensing delays can directly impact your OPT start date and employment authorization.
Target employers with existing OPT hiring experience
Large hospital systems, national insurers, and managed care organizations are more likely to have hired OPT workers before. Smaller clinics may not understand work authorization requirements, which slows hiring significantly and puts your OPT timeline at risk.
Apply early and account for onboarding lead time
Utilization review hiring often involves credentialing checks and compliance reviews before your start date. Start applying at least 60 to 90 days before your OPT begins to leave enough time for background checks and employer paperwork.
Be explicit about OPT authorization in your cover letter
Clearly state that you're authorized to work on OPT and specify your authorization end date. Confusion about work authorization is one of the most common reasons OPT candidates get screened out before a hiring manager even reviews the application.
Highlight clinical decision-making experience in your resume
Utilization review employers look for nurses with strong clinical judgment, not just bedside experience. Emphasize any prior authorization, case management, or discharge planning work. These experiences map directly to the core responsibilities of the role.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
OPT lasts 12 months for nursing graduates without STEM extension eligibility. Raise the H-1B visa sponsorship question after you have an offer in hand. Larger employers in managed care and insurance are more likely to sponsor than smaller practice groups.
Utilization Review Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Utilization Review Nurses?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as Utilization Review Nurses as long as the role is directly related to their nursing degree. You'll need an active RN license in the state where you work. OPT authorization covers full-time employment, and the role must align with your field of study as listed on your EAD.
Is the Utilization Review Nurse role eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Nursing falls under CIP code 51.38, which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. That means you're limited to 12 months of post-completion OPT without an extension. If you want to continue working in the U.S. after OPT ends, your employer will need to sponsor an H-1B or other work visa.
How do I find employers willing to hire OPT nurses for utilization review roles?
Browse Migrate Mate to find Utilization Review Nurse roles posted by employers with a track record of hiring OPT and visa-sponsored candidates. Large managed care organizations, national health insurers, and hospital-owned utilization management departments tend to be the most OPT-friendly employers in this specialty.
Does an active RN license affect my ability to start work on OPT?
Yes, and it's one of the most common delays OPT nurses face. Your employment must begin on or after your OPT start date and requires both an active EAD and a valid RN license. If your license is pending or under review, you cannot legally begin work, even if your EAD has already been issued.
Can I work remotely as a Utilization Review Nurse on OPT?
Yes, many utilization review roles are fully remote or hybrid, which is an advantage for OPT workers. However, most states require your RN license to be active in the state where your employer is headquartered or where the patients you review are located. Confirm licensure requirements with your employer before accepting a remote offer.