Centralized Triage Nurse

Supports the mission of People's Community Clinic by promoting and facilitating excellent health care for patients in accordance with established nursing standards.

This position works as a member of a care team to coordinate patient care and support patients and families in self-management, self-efficacy, and behavior change. Care team members are expected to assess and manage the health needs of the patient population and to communicate effectively with all patients, especially vulnerable populations.

The starting range for this position is $70,000- $80,000 annually. 

Telephone Triage and Assessment:

• Answer incoming calls from patients seeking medical advice, information, or guidance.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' symptoms, medical histories, and current conditions to determine the urgency and appropriate course of action.
• Utilize clinical guidelines, protocols, and your nursing expertise to provide accurate and timely triage recommendations.
• Assess patient needs, provide appropriate self-care instructions, and direct patients to appropriate resources, including scheduling appointments, referrals, or emergency care.

Clinical Decision-Making:

• Analyze patient symptoms, complaints, and medical history to make informed decisions regarding the urgency and level of care required.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers and other team members to seek advice or guidance for complex cases or situations that require additional expertise.
• Identify high-risk symptoms or red flags that require immediate attention and initiate appropriate actions, such as emergency dispatch or referral to urgent care.

Patient Education and Support:

• Provide patients with accurate and understandable information regarding their symptoms, self-care measures, medication instructions, and follow-up care.
• Offer patients emotional support, empathy, and reassurance during challenging or distressing situations.
• Educate patients on when to seek emergency care versus non-emergent care, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
• Teaches and counsels patients and families concerning health assessment and care, including disease prevention and health maintenance.

Documentation and Data Management:

• Document all patient interactions, assessments, triage recommendations, and interventions accurately and comprehensively in the electronic health record system, including patient/caller response.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to privacy regulations and clinic policies when handling patient information.

Quality Assurance and Continual Improvement:

• Participate in ongoing training, education, and quality improvement activities to enhance your triage skills and stay updated with best practices.
• Provide feedback on call center processes and suggest improvements to optimize efficiency and patient satisfaction.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to develop and revise triage protocols and guidelines based on evidence-based practices and clinic-specific needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prescription refills based on standing delegation orders (SDOs) as prescribed by and under the direction of a physician, APRN, or PA.
• Accurately and completely performs patient follow-up activities, which may include: laboratory results and diagnostics, appointments, medications, and call backs.

Education:  RN, graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Experience:  

• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in adult, pediatric, and/or reproductive health.
• Experience in telephone triage, ambulatory care, emergency department, or a related healthcare setting is preferred.

Certificate/License:  

• Current professional license to practice in the State of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Bilingual in English/Spanish required
• Excellent clinical assessment and critical thinking skills to make accurate and appropriate triage decisions.
• Strong knowledge of medical conditions, symptoms, and common medications.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional during stressful or high-pressure situations.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems. Epic experience is helpful.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple calls and tasks simultaneously.

Our Benefits Include:

• 18 PTO days per year & 11 paid holidays
• Major Medical Health Insurance Coverage. Most employees experience $0 in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Dental & Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employer paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Annual Training
• 403(b) with 4% employer matching

People’s Community Clinic is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or sex stereotyping.

We want you to do your best throughout the interview process.  CLICK HERE to learn more about how to prepare.