Triage Nurse

Triage Nurse (RN)

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephonic triage or in-person assessments to evaluate the urgency of patient symptoms and medical concerns.
• Utilize clinical protocols and guidelines to assess patient symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
• Gather relevant medical information, including vital signs, history of illness, medications, allergies, and previous treatments.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations based on assessment, including over-the-counter medication suggestions, home care instructions, or directing patients to seek immediate medical care.
• Assist in determining whether a physician should see a patient, be referred to an emergency department, or be scheduled for an appointment in the clinic.
• Escalate critical or complex cases to a physician or healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
• Schedule follow-up appointments and diagnostic tests as needed based on the triage process.
• Educate patients about their conditions, self-care measures, medications, and when to seek further medical attention.
• Ensure accurate documentation of patient interactions, assessments, and recommendations in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Provide patients with information about their condition and treatment options.
• Offer emotional support and address patient concerns or anxieties about their health issues.
• Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants to ensure seamless patient care.
• Communicate patient concerns, outcomes of triage assessments, and changes in condition with other healthcare team members.
• Absorb and manage patient flow, ensuring that urgent cases are prioritized and that routine cases are addressed in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Current Washington State Registered Nurse license
• 7 years of experience as a registered nurse
• 3 years of current experience in a primary care or urgent care setting
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification

Qualifications

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in using electronic health record systems
• Ability to prioritize tasks in high-pressure situations
• Solid knowledge of clinical protocols and guidelines
• Competence in patient education and care coordination
• Accurately assess patient symptoms and urgency
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Educate patients on preventive care and treatment
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations
• Adhere to strict confidentiality and privacy regulations
• Document patient interactions with precision and clarity
• Comprehensive understanding of triage processes and protocols
• Familiarity with HIPAA regulations and compliance standards
• Knowledge of current medical practices and trends
• Expertise in patient assessment and decision-making
• Knowledgeable in chronic condition management and education
• Awareness of cultural sensitivity in patient care

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in using electronic health record systems
• Ability to prioritize tasks in high-pressure situations
• Solid knowledge of clinical protocols and guidelines
• Competence in patient education and care coordination
• Accurately assess patient symptoms and urgency
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Educate patients on preventive care and treatment
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations
• Adhere to strict confidentiality and privacy regulations
• Document patient interactions with precision and clarity