Triage Nurse (LPN)

The Triage Nurse provides care to individuals or defined patient populations through telecommunications or face-to-face interactions in accordance with computer-based algorithms, protocols, or guidelines. The nurse uses critical thinking and communication skills to assess, plan, implement, educate and evaluate patient outcomes. This role determines patient dispositions to emergency care, clinic provider appointments, and triage nurse clinic services within the scope of licensed practice.

The Triage Nurse manages nurse-directed patient telephone calls and walk-in patients requesting health care services. They evaluate and assess patient health care needs based on signs and symptoms utilizing established triage protocols and guidelines. Coordination of same-day and walk-in appointments occurs on provider schedules while standing orders and algorithms are applied appropriately.

Working as part of a care coordination team, the nurse supports general care processes alongside providers in the clinic setting. Patient flow is monitored to ensure all recommended services are received in a timely manner. Documentation of symptoms, nursing assessment, advice provided, and patient response is completed in the electronic health record.

Patient education is provided on chronic disease, preventive care, and family planning topics as needed. Certain medications, injections, and immunizations are administered per provider orders. Pertinent medical information is forwarded to proper departments to support continuity of patient care.