Triage Specialist, RN

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Triage Specialist, RN conducts initial assessments to evaluate how urgently a patient needs care. They ask questions, check vital signs and coordinate care with other medical professionals including physicians. The primary focus of a Triage Specialist, RN is to ensure that the patients who are most in need of care receive it first and that other members of the care team are ready to begin treatments as quickly as possible to ensure quality care. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION/COMPETENCIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Interviews patient and/or family to obtain medical histories and to make an accurate assessment.
• Uses a specific set of guidelines when performing patient assessments to determine how severe their condition is and how urgent their needs are, exactly what type of attention they need, which medical professionals are needed for consultations and where they should be placed in the queue for admissions.
• Assigns a triage priority based on observations and available information.
• Initiates diagnostic and therapeutic measures as indicated by standing protocols.
• Calls for crisis intervention if appropriate.
• Rooms patients, follows the initial intake process, and is available for instructions from the physician regarding the patient.
• Responds to phone calls for test results, medication refills, postop instructions, answers general questions.
• Communicates and acts as liaison with patients, family, and health professionals in a manner that respects confidentiality and dignity.
• Coordinates the needs of the patient with supporting departments and assists in solving problems related to the welfare of patient and staff.
• Takes vitals, blood pressure, temperature and weight.
• Draws blood for labs as ordered by physician.
• Keeps appropriate logs regarding medications noting expiration dates.
• Performs other position related duties as assigned.
• Employees shall adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and will comply with and assist in complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This will include and not be limited to following the Solaris Health Code of Conduct and all Solaris Health and Affiliated Practice policies and procedures; maintaining the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); immediately reporting any suspected concerns and/or violations to a supervisor and/or the Compliance Department; and the timely completion the Annual Compliance Training.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURES OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

• RN license and certification as required by state.
• BLS certification required, ACLS preferred.

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Delivers exceptional patient service throughout all interactions.
• Critical thinking, decision making and strong problem solving skills.
• Skill in using computer programs and applications including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge in healthcare systems operations such as EMR.
• Complies with HIPAA regulations for patient confidentiality.
• Must be able to make good professional decisions quickly despite stressful atmosphere.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• For RN graduate of an accredited nursing program required. RN BSN preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 3 years related medical and critical/emergency care experience required.
• Triage experience preferred.

REQUIRED TRAVEL

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Carrying Weight Frequency

1-25 lbs. Frequent from 34% to 66%

26-50 lbs. Occasionally from 2% to 33%

Pushing/Pulling Frequency

1-25 lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

100 + lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

Lifting - Height, Weight Frequency

Floor to Chest, 1 -25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Chest, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%

Floor to Waist, 1-25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Waist, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%