Licensed Practical Nurse – Triage

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Nurse Lead and in collaboration with the Director of Nursing, the Licensed Practical Triage Nurse provides care coordination and performs professional nursing functions to assess the severity of patients’ health concerns, using TAPM‑established Adult and Pediatric telephone protocols and clinical algorithms in collaboration with the RN and provider. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practices under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or licensed provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant), in accordance with the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act (N.C. Gen.

Stat. § 90-171.20 et seq.) and the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) rules and guidelines.

• Triage nurses manage nurse‑directed patient telephone calls and walk‑in patients requesting health care services.
• Evaluate and assess patient’s health care needs based on signs and symptoms.
• Obtain appropriate input and direction from the provider as needed to determine best clinical course of action and recommendations.
• Coordinate and schedule same‑day and walk‑in appointments on the provider schedule.
• Maintain a nurse‑only schedule.
• Assist providers with special procedures as needed.
• Manage prescription refills per protocol.
• Provide clinical support on the floor as needed to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of patient care.
• Serve as a clinical resource and professional role model for other nursing staff.
• Prioritize work tasks and services to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Maintain accurate, clear, and concise documentation, including progress notes, problem lists, and medication lists, in accordance with clinical and organizational standards.
• Communicate appropriately and tactfully with staff, consultants, patients, significant others, and community.
• Participate in staff planning, in‑service, and other meetings as needed.
• Administer medications and perform medical and nursing procedures as ordered within scope of practice.

• Document symptoms/complaints, nursing assessment, advice provided and patient/caller response; follow policies and procedures to ensure consistency and departmental effectiveness and improve health care outcomes.
• Complete all patient‑related documentation, including prior authorizations, home health forms, and other required medical paperwork, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide patient education on chronic disease, preventive, and family issues.
• Participate in quality improvement programs.
• Ensure pertinent medical information is forwarded to proper departments for continuity of patient care.
• Document in electronic health record (EHR) the triage assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation, and follow‑up.
• Have knowledge of disease processes, normal growth and development across all age groups.
• Have community health knowledge and theory.
• Operate with cultural sensitivity when working with persons and groups of diverse backgrounds.

• Administer certain medications, injections, immunizations, and family planning options as ordered by a provider and within LPN scope of practice.
• Assist with monitoring patient flow in the clinic to ensure timely delivery of recommended services, under direction of Clinical Nurse Lead, DON, or provider.

• Independently assess, diagnose, or develop a nursing care plan without RN or provider oversight.
• Perform the initial nursing assessment for new patients independently (must be completed or supervised by an RN).
• Independently determine final patient disposition for complex or high‑acuity triage calls without RN or provider consultation.
• Supervise or direct Registered Nurses.
• Administer IV push medications or initiate IV therapy without appropriate certification and provider order.
• Perform any procedure or task not covered by a current, approved TAPM protocol or provider order.
• Practice beyond the current NC LPN scope of practice as defined by the NCBON.

• Must hold a current, valid North Carolina LPN license.
• Currently CPR certified.
• At least 2–3 years of triage or clinical nursing experience (preferred).
• High school diploma or GED required; completion of an accredited LPN program required.
• Associate’s Degree or further education preferred.