Job Description

THE CARDIAC AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE is a cardiology practice in Gainesville FL 32605. We are passionate about providing the highest quality cardiovascular care to the people of North Central Florida. We are proud to be certified as a GREAT PLACE TO WORK. We are seeking a TELEPHONE TRIAGE NURSE to join our team.

JOB TITLE: TELEPHONE TRIAGE NURSE

REPORTS TO: Clinical Services Director

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Responds to incoming calls. Prioritizes/transfers/schedules/refers as appropriate based on patient information.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Talks directly to patients on the telephone and schedules appointments for patients who do not need to go to the ER, but need to see a Provider.
2. Performs short evaluation of the patient situation to estimate severity of illness and/or injury including learning about chief complaint and, as possible, obtaining vital signs and mental status information.
3. Determines urgency of seeing the patient based on brief assessment and on familiarity with a patient’s condition and history. May use computerized medical information database, which uses algorithms that closely imitate physician logic and thought patterns, as guide. Confers with physician as needed.
4. Sends those with high-risk chief complaints such as chest pain, abdominal pain, or severe headaches to ER immediately. May provide appropriate home health advice to those patients who do not need to go directly to the ER based on recommendations from a Provider.
5. Acts, when designated, in “Ask a Nurse” capacity, handling routine information requests from patients, e.g., “Do I need pre-medication before dental procedures? How do I watch my sodium intake?”
6. Completes paperwork for cardiac clearance, FMLA, short-term disability, and prior authorization for medications.
7. Discuss medication side effects and interactions with patients. Completes medication refills.
8. Other duties that are assigned.

Education: Must be a Registered Nurse. On-the-job training in triage.

Experience: One year cardiology experience preferred. Telephone triage experience preferably in medical practice setting.

Other: Current CPR certificate.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of telephone-based clinical assessment techniques.
2. Knowledge of medical practice telephone triage protocols.
3. Knowledge of appropriate home health information for patients to follow until visit with physician, if they do not need an immediate ER visit.

Skills:

1. Skill in using electronic medical records to check patient history.
2. Skill in using computerized medical information database during evaluation as guide to appropriate decision.
3. Skill in making triage decisions and responding quickly and calmly in emergency situations such as calling 911 and arranging for ambulance.

Abilities:

1. Ability to communicate clearly and calmly with patient.
2. Ability to elicit information needed to make brief evaluation.
3. Ability to work closely with physicians and other clinicians as needed.

Equipment Operated: Telephone system at medical practice or contractor office. Computer hardware/software for access to patient history and medical information databases.

Work Environment: Office setting, well lighted, good air quality. Rare direct contact with patients.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Mostly sedentary position. Stress generated if high volume of calls and emergencies.

This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve. This job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

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