What does a Triage Nurse do?
People visit emergency rooms, urgent care centers, outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices with a variety of concerns. Some may need immediate life-saving care, while others may have minor illnesses or injuries that require a less urgent response. A Triage Nurse is responsible for assessing the immediacy of each patient’s needs. By assigning an appropriate rating, they allow healthcare facilities and practices to appropriately prioritize patients and prepare to treat patients with dire medical needs first to improve outcomes of care. When they perform Triage Nurse job duties proficiently, they contribute to the overall standard of care and patient satisfaction.
Triage Nurse skills and qualifications
To excel in Triage Nurse careers, medical professionals need specific skills. The following are some qualifications that can help you easily identify quality candidates:
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Extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and nursing care standards
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Analytical skills to assess patient condition
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Effective oral communication skills to interview patients and explain next steps as well as to pass information on to other members of the care team
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Decision-making skills to quickly assign a rating
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Ability to use medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors and to move items that may weigh up to 50 pounds
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Strong written communication skills to record patient information clearly and concisely
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Thorough understanding of infection control and health and safety standards
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Familiarity with medical records, word processing and email software programs
Triage Nurse experience requirements
Because Triage Nurse job duties include independent decision-making, previous work experience is usually required for employment in the field. Generally, employers prefer candidates who have worked for 1-3 years as Registered Nurses (RNs) in the department or area where they will be triaging. For example, an emergency room Triage Nurse would have previously cared for patients in the emergency department.
Triage Nurse education and training requirements
Entry into Triage Nurse careers requires an RN license from their state. To obtain one, a person needs to complete a state-approved associate or bachelor’s degree program in nursing and pass an examination. As you review résumés, look for candidates who hold advanced nursing certifications, indicating that they have demonstrated knowledge in a relevant area specialty. Some common certifications that may indicate a quality candidate for a Triage Nurse position include the Certified Emergency Room Nurse credential from the Board of Certification for Emergency Room Nursing (BCEN) and Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Triage Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Triage Nurse is $75,045 per year. When determining salary offers, consider the current wage trends in your geographic area and candidates’ experience, education and certification status.
Job description samples for similar positions
If the described Triage Nurse job duties don’t match your organization’s needs, explore the following closely related job titles:
Triage Nurse job description FAQs
What are the different types of Triage Nurses?
Telephone Triage Nurses speak with patients by phone rather than in person. They often work for physicians’ offices and outpatient clinics, screening patients to determine whether an appointment with a physician is necessary. Telehealth Triage Nurses conduct interviews before scheduling remote visits with medical providers. An Emergency Triage Nurse sees patients in person but may also triage patients who are en route to the hospital in ambulances.
What is the difference between a Triage Nurse and an Emergency Room Nurse?
A Triage Nurse is usually the first member of the care team to interact with a patient. They establish their needs and assess their condition. An Emergency Room Nurse provides care for patients after triage, usually assisting those with the highest triage priority ratings first.
How can you make your Triage Nurse job description stand out?
To attract quality candidates, place the top three to five reasons to work for your organization at the top in bullet point format. These may include flexible shifts, a robust benefits plan, tuition reimbursement, opportunities for advancement and other perks. Include a longer list of all of the perks and benefits in the body of the description. Clearly defining the duties, responsibilities and work setting can also encourage candidates to respond to your posting.
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