RN - Triage Nurse

Job Summary:

• Makes nursing decisions in uncertain conditions drawing on a broad-based depth of knowledge and is able to recognize life threatening emergencies.
• Uses systematic, comprehensive patient assessment tools, and uses protocols appropriately.
• Uses excellent interviewing and documentation skills and well-developed communication prowess to assess patients both directly and indirectly.
• Practices nursing utilizing the nursing process to give advice based on best practice, critical judgment, and protocols.
• Coordinates patient care with other health care team members.
• All duties and responsibilities are performed within the policies of Client in compliance with Minnesota Nurse Practice Act.
• The triage nurse does direct patient assessment and evaluation.

Assesses the patient and identifies actual or potential health, safety, or educational needs:

• Utilizes decision-making protocols, algorithms, and/or guidelines to systematically assess patient needs.
• Prioritizes acuity/urgency of patient needs for medical or crisis intervention.
• Utilizes interviewing and active listening skills.
• Promotes health prevention and wellness.
• Develops a collaborative plan of care with the patient/care giver.
• Documents triage advice/recommendations in medical record.
• Provides patient education.

Implements nursing interventions based on plan of care:

• Provides care according to the protocols, nursing care plan or provider notes, and following protocols to determine optimal course of action for the particular patient situation.
• Coordinates nursing care with the appropriate team to meet patient needs and achieve expected outcomes.
• Initiates age and culturally appropriate measures to meet patient needs and achieve expected outcomes.
• Collaborates, consults, or makes referrals appropriately.
• Documents interventions in medical record per policy.
• Responds appropriately to emergent situations.
• Recognizes when different approaches may be needed based on the age and cultural differences.
• Effectively communicates with clinic care team.
• Adheres to all relevant policies, procedures and nursing practice.
• Guidelines.
• Reinforces continuity of care.
• Uses communication strategies to achieve desirable outcomes.
• Communicates verbal and written information in a clear, concise, accurate, and timely manner.
• Uses communication strategies appropriate to patient/family needs for information, education, and support.
• Communicates effectively with all members of the healthcare team.

Evaluates care and the patient’s response to interventions and expected outcomes:

• Systematically evaluates the patient’s response to interventions.
• Modifies the interventions based on patient response and changing patient condition.
• Involves the patient, family, and other healthcare team members in gathering data and evaluating care if appropriate.
• Uses ongoing assessment data to revise patient needs, prioritize problems, nursing outcomes, and the plan of care.

Facilitates continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination of appropriate health care services:

• Prioritizes work based on patient acuity, available resources, and patient/family preferences.

Required Education:

• Associate’s (ADN) or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN).

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Current Minnesota RN License.
• BLS certification or certification within orientation period.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of clinical RN experience demonstrating solid assessment and visualization skills.
• Proven ability to function at highest level within Product of practice.
• Patient education and pro-active disease management experience.
• Excellent assessment and care coordination skills.
• Experience with an EMR.
• Keyboarding/computer skills.