Our Telephone Triage Nurse job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Telephone Triage Nurse role
Telephone triage nurses provide telephone-based health assessment and advice to patients, helping them to determine whether they need to seek additional medical attention. They evaluate patient symptoms, provide advice, and refer patients to appropriate medical care. They need to be knowledgeable in a wide range of medical conditions and possess excellent communication and decision-making skills.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a telephone triage nurse is to assess a patient's medical condition over the phone and provide advice on the best course of action, such as whether the patient should seek medical attention or if home care is an appropriate option. The nurse must be able to quickly and accurately assess the patient's symptoms, ask the right questions and provide advice that is in the patient's best interest. They must also document all calls, as well as provide follow-up care and education to the patient.
Telephone Triage Nurse Summary
A Telephone Triage Nurse provides over-the-phone assessment, advice, and triage services to patients. The nurse assesses the patient’s symptoms, makes a diagnosis and prescribes medication or treatment if necessary. The nurse also provides education and support to patients and their families. The nurse must be knowledgeable about a wide range of health issues and able to provide information quickly and accurately. In addition, the nurse must be able to use a variety of computer programs and electronic medical records systems. Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential.
Telephone Triage Nurse Duties
- Answer incoming telephone calls from patients seeking medical advice
- Assess the health needs of patients over the phone
- Provide appropriate medical advice and health education
- Refer patients to other healthcare professionals when necessary
- Document calls and patient information in records
Telephone Triage Nurse Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to assess patient needs quickly
- Knowledge of medical terminology and treatment protocols
- Ability to provide evidence-based advice and guidance
- Ability to accurately document patient calls
Telephone Triage Nurse Requirements
- Ability to assess health status of patients via phone and provide appropriate recommendations
- Ability to document patient encounters accurately and timely
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals
- Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
Personal Traits
- Excellent communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure