Nursing Internal Medicine - Triage RN
The Clinic Triage Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for assessing patients’ medical concerns, evaluating symptoms, determining the urgency of care, and coordinating appropriate clinical services in an outpatient setting. The RN provides telephone and in-person triage, responds to patient messages, offers nursing guidance based on established protocols, and collaborates with providers and other healthcare team members to ensure timely, safe, and effective patient care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Perform telephone and in-person triage assessments to evaluate patient symptoms, medical concerns, and changes in health status.
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Determine the urgency of patient needs and recommend appropriate care, including same-day appointments, routine follow-up, urgent evaluation, or emergency services.
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Recognize potentially life-threatening symptoms and initiate appropriate emergency response procedures.
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Provide evidence-based nursing advice, patient education, and self-care instructions within the RN's scope of practice.
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Review patient messages, telephone calls, medication questions, and requests for clinical assistance.
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Coordinate appointments, referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care with providers and clinical staff.
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Communicate patient concerns and assessment findings to physicians, advanced practice providers, and other members of the healthcare team.
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Document triage assessments, clinical recommendations, interventions, and patient communications accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
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Follow up on test results, treatment plans, and unresolved patient concerns according to clinic protocols.
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Assist with medication-related questions, prescription refill requests, and clinical messages in accordance with provider orders and organizational policies.
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Educate patients and caregivers regarding disease management, medications, treatment plans, and preventive healthcare.
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Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations, infection prevention standards, and applicable nursing laws.
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Support quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction, and efficient clinic operations.
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Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
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ADN or BSN from an accredited nursing program, as required by the employer.
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Previous clinical nursing experience in an outpatient clinic, ambulatory care, primary care, or specialty practice preferred.
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Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
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Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Proficiency in electronic health records and clinical documentation.
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Ability to prioritize multiple patients' needs and work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
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Telephone triage and symptom assessment.
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Clinical judgment and patient risk stratification.
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Patient education and care coordination.
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Familiarity with outpatient clinical workflows and nursing protocols.
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Time management, organization, and problem-solving.
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Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, providers, and clinical support staff.
Key Performance Expectations
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Timely and accurate triage of patient concerns.
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Appropriate identification and escalation of urgent or emergency symptoms.
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Accurate and complete clinical documentation.
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Effective communication and coordination with healthcare providers.
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Compliance with clinical protocols, nursing standards, and privacy regulations.
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Positive patient experience and continuity of care.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Position Type/Expected Hours to Work: 36 - 40 hours per week
Other Duties: As assigned.