Clinic Triage Nurse

Essential job functional competencies

1.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with Hawarden Regional Healthcare standards. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Compliance Accountability Program, Code of Ethics, and HRH policies and procedures, including all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior by implementing the organizational vision, values, and mission.

2.

Promotes & maintains a safe & calm environment for complex patients by ensuring appropriate supplies, equipment, and necessary services.

3.

Assists in making clinical decisions based on scientific principles, systematic approach and experience.

4.

Utilizes all resources in planning care and initiating referrals.

5.

Identifies actual and potential risk to patients and/or families and initiates appropriate action to minimize risk.

6.

Administers medications and treatments/procedures as directed, and as appropriate for the patient’s medical care, in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.

7.

Initiates appropriate patient/family education following assessment according to provider’s instruction.

8.

Appropriately delegates’ tasks/procedures to other team members who are prepared/qualified to perform.

9.

Uses effective communication principles & techniques to achieve desired outcomes & demonstrate the ability to supervise others to whom nursing interventions are delegated.

10.

Demonstrates ability to assume leadership role in emergency situations.

11.

Maintains accurate, complete, timely and professional documentation in medical charts and EHR of all patient contacts including records of medication, vital statistics and other pertinent data; document any significant changes for provider to review.

12.

Documents nursing intervention and patient/family response accurately, legibly, and in compliance with clinic policies.

13.

Demonstrates the skill level requirement for a RN as evidenced by competent performance and completion of the skills checklist.

14.

Triage patient care calls, taking appropriate action following clinical protocols and charts documentation.

15.

Intercepts calls from patients to physicians/providers. Communicates patient symptoms, problems, etc. to provider and follows up with patient on appropriate care.

16.

Reviews medical problems of the patient and makes sound and rational patient care decisions. Determines the urgency of situation and facilitates appropriate care.

17.

Schedules procedures and appointments for patients at outside facilities. Provides appropriate patient education to patient regarding scheduled procedures.

18.

Demonstrates understanding of nursing & its issues & represents the profession to others.

19.

Uses effective communication principles to coordinate care with other healthcare providers. Recognize & communicate issues utilizing established lines of authority, & assists in identifying ways to resolve variances or unacceptable outcomes.

20.

Demonstrates general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)

21.

Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, and in services. Is knowledgeable of and complies with Safety and Infection Control Policies & Procedures. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities as requested. Keeps up to date on new procedures and research. Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees and HRH business.

22.

Completes all mandatory training such as Healthstream, The Patient Experience, Safe Choices, Crucial Conversations and any other training as designated by Administration.

23.

Performs other duties & responsibilities assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be a registered nurse maintaining current state licensure.

• Two to Four years nursing experience in a clinic preferred.

• BLS is required

• Is able to communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team.

• Maintains a high level of professionalism, which positively promotes the image of Hawarden Regional Healthcare.

• Actively participates and represents Hawarden Regional Healthcare in professional and community organizations.

• Is able to perform a variety of duties characterized by frequent change.