Registered Nurse, Triage

Position Summary

The Triage Nurse monitors and returns calls/communications related to Tennessee Oncology (TNONC) patients consulting with physicians/APPs when appropriate. The Triage Nurse must recognize physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of care. The Triage Nurse will accurately identify patients with high‑risk conditions. While supporting all triage processes, the Triage Nurse works within the RN scope of practice as defined by the TN Board of Nursing and TNONC policies and procedures.

• Addresses patient calls, portal messages, tasks and emails concerning a wide range of symptom/side‑effect related and other patient care topics in a timely manner.
• Asks appropriate, open‑ended questions utilizing TNONC approved algorithms/pathways to assist in the assessment of patient’s symptom and side‑effect management inquiries.
• Documents recommended/actual interventions.
• Recognizes changes in the patient’s status and need for care.
• Assesses urgency of patient symptoms/side‑effects and addresses them appropriately, aggressively managing them to prevent unnecessary emergency department and hospital utilization.
• Responds to emergency situations/calls and coordinates care/EMS response as necessary.
• Collaborates with physicians via electronic communication, face‑to‑face, or the telephone to discuss patient care needs that cannot be independently and appropriately addressed using standing orders or practice protocols.
• Collaborates with scheduling team based on patient need and triage interventions to set up same‑day and/or future provider/infusion room appointments to address symptom management concerns.
• Provides clear education to patients and caregivers including verifying understanding of instructions/plan.
• Counsels patients, family, and/or caregiver about side effects of medication, therapy, applicable referrals, as well as available community resources.
• Notifies patients of normal and/or stable lab/test results or abnormal lab/test results after collaboration with the provider on needed interventions if any.
• Applies critical thinking and astute clinical judgment while evaluating patients.
• Encourages patient compliance with supportive and treatment regimens.
• Promotes patient self‑care responsibility for meeting their own health needs.
• Identifies & accommodates patient disabilities & limitations.
• Accesses resources for interpretive services and/or other needed accommodations.
• Adapts personal communication style to meet the needs of the patient and/or other customers in diverse personal, professional, cultural, and socio‑economic backgrounds.
• Assists with prior authorization for prescription refills if needed.
• Coordinates triage efforts with Front Office, Nursing, Patient Advocates/Financial Counselors, Pharmacy and/or other departments to ensure effective/efficient communication to meet patient needs.
• Performs charting and updating of records in the EMR as expected.
• Has knowledge of policies and procedures associated with operational activities that affect patient flow, patient care, and the revenue process.
• Acts as an expert oncology/TNONC resource for healthcare team, patients, caregivers and external agencies/organizations.
• Utilizes triage care plans/pathways/algorithms for patient care in assigned clinics ensuring quality of service and adherence to standardized nursing procedures/protocols, quality improvement objectives, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in and initiates performance improvement activities as requested.
• Participates in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Performs other related duties/assignments as requested.

• Associates Degree/Diploma in Nursing required; BSN preferred.

• 2 years of relevant experience in oncology and/or telephone triage preferred.

• Knowledge of oncology/hematology diseases, treatments, and side effects/reactions of related therapy methods.

• Outpatient ambulatory experience preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present information…