Staff Nurse Triage

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The RN Triage nurse is clinically competent to coordinate and deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Uses critical thinking and appropriate provider consultation to work within scope of practice to the highest level of licensure and training. Engages in interdisciplinary collaboration which includes the use of available community resources.

Essential Functions
Performs Telehealth nursing care that includes consultation, triage, surveillance, and follow up for patients. Prioritizes and manages work load in an environment where the nature and volume of calls is unpredictable. Conducts face to face triage of patients presenting with urgent/emergent needs. Directly assists providers as needed, contributing to a smooth work flow in the department. Coordinates and assists patients in scheduling acute, specialty, or routine care appointments, including referrals. Demonstrates proficiency in application of clinical knowledge as it applies to the specific clinic setting. Considers cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial factors that affect patient perception of and adherence to health care plans when interacting with patients, families, support systems, and the community. Utilizes critical thinking and assessment skills to follow provider approved protocols. Contacts pharmacy for medication refills for patients as needed. Educates patients regarding test results and medical conditions, explaining medical terms and procedures in manner understandable to patients. Maintains a working knowledge of medication frequently utilized, researching any medication not familiar with. Develops a familiarization with brand/generic medication names. Maintains familiarity with all forms and paperwork utilized throughout the clinic. Participates in the advancement of professional nursing practice through continuing education and self development; develops and maintains professional credibility. Demonstrates professional nursing leadership and contributes to a smooth work flow by assisting team members as needed. Responds to emergency codes. Collaborates with department Practice Manager and Clinical Supervisor to ensure new team members receive appropriate orientation and reports on trainee performance. Serves as clinical resource to department staff; contributes to the professional growth and development of other clinical staff. PATIENT SATISFACTION- Assists patients, family members, and others with concern and empathy; respects their confidentially and privacy. Ensures accurate and timely communication is facilitated. Identifies him/herself in a pleasant and positive manner. Takes responsibility for helping the caller and/or visitor. TEAMWORK- Assists in the orientation /training of new Team Members. Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members. Assists other Team Members in the performance of their assignments. Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked. Considers the impact of his/her actions on Team Members throughout SRH. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and volunteers to assist whenever possible. Takes direction and initiates actions to ensure seamless patient care. Demonstrates flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within SRH. PROBLEM SOLVING- Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participates in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet patient expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is the work of someone else. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT- Attends required annual in-service programs. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement of annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 95% of scheduled staff meetings and is responsible to read and understand all meeting minutes and materials covered at meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SRH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES ? Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures; has the ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SRH?s infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation and the Exposure Control Plan which reflects OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SRH is operated in a an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SRH and departmental attendance policies and support of SRH-Wide Service Standards and SRH/Department Safe Practice Standards. Performs other duties as assigned by manager or designee. Performs technical skills within the scope of licensure in a safe and efficient manner. Maintains workstation in an orderly manner.

Education
Graduate of an accredited RN program. BSN preferred.

Experience/Training
Minimum one (1) year previous nursing experience in a clinic or acute care setting preferred; experience specific to departmental specialty strongly desired.

License/Certifications
Current WA State RN License required. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required. Ambulatory Care Nursing certification or appropriate specialty certification is encouraged.

Other Skills
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong organizational skills and technical proficiency. Must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use critical thinking skills to problem solve. Proficient in the use of Electronic Health Record systems, Microsoft Office suite and other clinical applications. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.