Telephone Triage Nurse; RN

Overview

Delaware’s Largest Cancer Treatment Group – Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants in Newark
· Middletown, DE is a private practice comprised of 11 physicians and 10 advanced practice providers. Our mission is to provide quality cancer care to patients in our local community. We are affiliated with the US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community‑based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high‑quality, evidence‑based care. Our board‑certified physicians in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Palliative Care Medicine, and breast surgery have trained at and held faculty positions in nationally and internationally recognized academic centers.

They possess extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases and disorders of the blood and breast.

A telephone triage nurse assesses patient needs over the telephone, collaborates with a physician or qualified staff member to meet those needs, then documents all elements of care in the patient’s medical record. The nurse must accurately identify patients with high‑risk conditions and direct care to the appropriate resources if those patients cannot be managed by the nurse and/or within the clinic.

This is not a fully remote position.

Under supervision or in collaboration with practice physicians, the nurse is involved in the care of individuals, families, and patient groups dealing with cancer or related diagnoses. Care may be provided in clinic or virtually via telemedicine. Responsibilities may include duties related to prevention, screening, patient care, management, and research. The nurse may serve as a direct caregiver, health‑care consultant, patient educator, administrator, or researcher.

The nurse ensures compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, including the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

• Addresses patient calls, portal messages, and emails in a timely manner.
• Asks appropriate open‑ended questions and utilizes computerized algorithms/pathways to assess patients’ symptoms and side‑effect management, documenting interventions. Manages a wide range of symptoms.
• Assesses the urgency of patient symptoms/side effects and addresses them appropriately.
• Aggressively manages symptoms to prevent unnecessary emergency department and hospital utilization.
• Collaborates with physicians for emergency care via electronic communication, face‑to‑face, or telephone when the patient cannot be independently and appropriately addressed using standard orders or practice protocols.
• Collaborates with providers if the patient can be seen in an outpatient clinic setting for their symptoms.
• Documents all conversations with patients to maintain a comprehensive medical record and provides clear instructions and education via telephone and other duties as assigned.

• Education/Training
  • Graduate from an accredited program for professional nursing education; BSN preferred.
  • RN state license and current registration with the State Board of Nursing in the practicing state.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Must maintain continuing education requirements.
• Business Experience
  • 3‑5 years nursing experience, including at least one year in oncology preferred.
• Specialized Knowledge/Skills
  • Oncology certification preferred.

• Environment
  • Traditional office environment.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the risk of blood‑borne pathogens, carcinogenic drugs, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

• Large percent of time performing computer‑based work is required.
• Must frequently stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; walk, talk or hear; sit occasionally; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.