Clinical Triage Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Summary

The Clinical Triage Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care through clinical assessment, telephone triage, patient education, and care coordination for patients receiving cardiovascular care. The RN serves as a primary clinical resource for patients and providers by evaluating patient concerns, prioritizing care based on clinical urgency, coordinating treatment plans, and ensuring timely communication between patients and the healthcare team. This position works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, medical assistants, and ancillary staff to promote high-quality, patient-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Telephone Triage

• Assess patient symptoms and concerns via telephone and the patient portal using evidence-based nursing judgment and established triage protocols.
• Determine the appropriate level of care based on symptom severity, including emergency referral, same-day evaluation, provider appointment, or home care instructions.
• Escalate urgent or emergent patient concerns to the appropriate provider immediately.
• Document all patient interactions, assessments, recommendations, and provider communications in the electronic health record (EHR).

Clinical Care Coordination

• Coordinate follow-up care, diagnostic testing, referrals, and specialty consultations.
• Review laboratory, imaging, and diagnostic test results for provider follow-up.
• Communicate provider recommendations and treatment plans to patients.
• Coordinate hospital follow-up appointments and transitions of care.
• Collaborate with pharmacies regarding medication questions, refills, and prior authorizations according to provider protocols.
• Assist with chronic disease management for cardiovascular patients.

Patient Assessment and Education

• Provide education regarding cardiovascular diseases, medications, lifestyle modifications, and treatment plans.
• Reinforce provider instructions and ensure patient understanding.
• Educate patients regarding signs and symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
• Support patient compliance with prescribed medications, testing, and follow-up appointments.

Clinical Nursing Support

• Perform focused nursing assessments as needed.
• Obtain and review vital signs, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and other clinical information when indicated.
• Start peripheral intravenous (IV) lines for diagnostic testing and outpatient procedures.
• Administer medications and injections as ordered and within the RN scope of practice.
• Assist physicians and advanced practice providers with office-based procedures.
• Monitor patients before and after procedures when appropriate.

Provider Support

• Communicate significant clinical findings to providers promptly.
• Assist providers in managing daily clinical workflows.
• Prepare clinical information for provider review.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions when appropriate.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic health record.
• Adhere to HIPAA, OSHA, infection control, and practice policies.
• Maintain compliance with nursing standards and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical performance activities.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Florida.
• Current BLS certification required; ACLS preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience; cardiology or critical care experience preferred.
• Previous telephone triage experience preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Experience with electronic health records (ECW experience preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced outpatient environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, medications, and treatment plans.
• Strong understanding of outpatient clinical triage principles.
• Ability to recognize urgent and emergent cardiovascular conditions.
• Proficiency in ECG interpretation is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and patient education skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with providers and clinical staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent use of computers, telephones, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to perform clinical nursing tasks, including IV insertion and patient assessments.

Working Conditions

This position is based in an outpatient cardiology practice and involves frequent interaction with patients by telephone, electronic messaging, and in person. The RN must be able to respond appropriately to urgent clinical situations while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and compassionate patient care.

This description aligns well with a cardiology practice where the RN functions as the primary clinical liaison between patients and providers, handling triage, care coordination, IV starts, patient education, and clinical workflow support.