Job Summary:

The Triage Nurse will provide professional nursing assessments, prioritize treatments according to the urgency of need, and initiate medical care to patients arriving at the emergency department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Interviews patient (if possible) and/or family to obtain medical histories and to make an accurate assessment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Charts concisely, descriptively, and legibly indicating patients progress or lack of progress.
• Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates understanding of and adheres to the hospitals infection control protocols.
• Demonstrates compliance with exiting standards and policies.
• Participates in mandatory in-services.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide appropriate care to all age groups.
• Must be able to make good professional decisions quickly despite stressful atmosphere.
• Ability to handle stressful and constantly changing conditions.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, with a bachelors degree preferred.
• Current state license as a registered nurse.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in medical/surgical and one year of experience in critical or emergency care with specialized triage training.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extensive periods of time.
• Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to provide nursing care and operating equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, squat, or bend frequently.
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff.
• Exposure to patient elements including communicable disease and bloodborne pathogens.
• Exposure to toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, and other common hazards of an emergency department.