Registered Nurse Triage (5331)

A Brief Overview
Provides professional nursing care to patients within Emergency Unit utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Performs triage process to assess the physical and psychological needs of the patients by performing and documenting a history and nursing assessment and any interventions for patients with the ability to participate in the process.

What you will do

• Provides nursing care according to medical regime and the nursing intervention appropriate for the patients' conditions and according to established standards, policies and procedures. * Triage patients entering the emergency care system and determine priorities of care in accordance with physical and psychological needs as well as factors influencing patient flow through the system. Performs and documents a thorough history and nursing assessment on all patients categorized as non-emergent. * Assesses patients, determines nursing diagnosis and priorities for care and establishes priorities of care using information received from patient history, reports on assigned patients by making frequent rounds and having contact with patients through rendering direct patient care and discussion with other staff members and family members. * Documents and completes a focus assessment of each patient in accordance with the patient's diagnosis. Subsequent documentation is to be made if the patient's condition indicates a change from the initial assessment. * Works consistently within nursing division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety practices. * Works in collaboration with the PCC, MCT, and physicians to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care in the emergency room. * Demonstrates knowledge and technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient needs within the unit.
• Determines if a patient should be moved directly to the ED for immediate medical evaluation or should be transferred to the appropriate care setting.
• Prepares equipment/supplies and assists physician during treatments, procedures and examinations. Transports patients, specimens, equipment and supplies to and from various areas.
• Maintains patient medical records; documents patient status and care given; performs charting duties; records activities and observations. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data. Documents the triage assessment according to established nursing and triage policies and procedures.
• Evaluates patients presenting to triage with an OB chief complaint, regardless of gestational age, and facilitates the patient being seen in the appropriate care area.
• Evaluates patients to determine that appropriate medical care is followed: * Sexual assault victims will be assisted in contacting the mobile crisis unit and provided a private room for interviewing. * Patients less than 15 years of age should be seen by an ED physician for referral to an appropriate facility. * Evaluates post-partum patients within 6 weeks of delivery and facilitate the patient being seen in the appropriate care area. * Patients presenting a psychiatric complaint to determine if emergency medical condition exists that requires evaluation prior to referring to Lakeside Triage Center.
• Performs activities of staff RN within emergency/urgency levels as assigned. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care of assigned patients. Performs therapeutic nursing interventions as ordered by the Physician.
• Determines the impact of nursing interventions on the patient's condition and recognizes the patient's progress towards meeting desired outcomes.