Telephonic Triage Nurse

Responsibilities

• Makes patient triage calls in person and/or on the nurse phone line.
• Talks directly to patients on the telephone and then directs them to appropriate healthcare settings.
• Determines urgency of patient visits based on brief assessment and familiarity with patient conditions and histories.
• Uses computerized clinical decision-making algorithms to guide patient referrals.
• Sends patients with high-risk chief complaints to the ER immediately or arranges for ambulance transport.
• Provides appropriate home health advice to patients who do not require immediate ER visits.
• Sends accurate notes of all consultations and treatments to the patient’s record via Electronic Health Record.
• Schedules appointments for patients who do not need to go to the ER but need to see a physician.
• Consults with physicians as needed.
• Serves as a clinical resource and role model for other nursing staff.
• Prioritizes work tasks and completes them in a timely manner.
• Aids in medical chart reviews and data compilation for audits and reports.
• Aids in developing nursing policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate, clear, and concise progress notes, problem lists, and medication lists.
• Provides patient education regarding disease processes, therapies, and healthful behaviors.
• Participates in staff, planning, in-service, and other meetings as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Able to read and understand the English language.
• Able to effectively maintain confidentiality of health information and communicate with all levels of personnel.
• Must have knowledge and understanding of chronic illness and health promotion.
• Current RN or LPN license without restrictions.
• Experience: 3 years of nursing experience with one year including triage (preferred).
• Education: Associates Degree Nursing (preferred).
• Certification(s)/Licensure: BLS required, ACLS/PALS (preferred).