Triage Nurse LPN - Bariatric Surgery

Nebraska Methodist Hospital•Omaha, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Triage Nurse provides telephone triage and clinic nursing support to help patients follow their plans of care and to identify high-risk conditions promptly. The role assesses, monitors, records, and reports changes in patient condition; prioritizes calls; and communicates between patients and providers. It also includes preparing patients for examinations and treatment, delivering provider-directed education to patients and families, and helping patients understand care and medication instructions. Proficiency in phlebotomy is required, or the nurse must be willing to complete training after hire. The position is based at the Methodist Professional Building, 8111 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekends, holidays, or call. The nurse maintains accurate documentation, supports continuity of care through tracking and referrals, prepares rooms and equipment, obtains provider-requested tests and laboratory work, and follows clinic and department protocols.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited LPN program.
At least one year of clinical experience.
Current valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license, valid compact multistate license, or temporary permit while awaiting licensure.
Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required within three months of hire; it is strongly preferred at hire.
Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures, and knowledge of medicine including recognition and diagnosis of diseases, deformities, and other illnesses.
Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
Proficient typing and computer skills, including the ability to navigate programs containing patient information.
Ability to provide caring patient services and critically listen to patients and providers to convey information effectively.
Ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve problems; problem-solving ability and flexibility across daily activities.
Strong verbal communication skills for positive interaction with providers, staff, patients, and family members.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Understanding of HIPAA.
Proficiency in phlebotomy or willingness to complete training upon hire.

Responsibilities

Perform telephone triage, determine patient needs and severity, prioritize calls, document and report patient conditions, and advise patients according to provider instructions and practice protocols.
Receive and return patient calls within the stated medical-priority timeframes, consult patient charts during calls, return messages, and provide test results according to protocol.
Provide provider-directed education to patients and families, assess and document their understanding, and recommend community resources as appropriate.
Document labs, procedures, and appointments on tracking forms; follow up on missed appointments and procedures; and assist health coaches with patient lists and scheduling as directed.
Maintain clean, organized work areas, examination rooms, and equipment; stock supplies and prepare rooms according to protocols.
Handle prescription renewals and inquiries by consulting providers and relaying information to pharmacies; complete refills and pharmacy requests according to protocols.
Provide age-appropriate care in accordance with the Age Specific Criteria.
Complete nursing assessments and use nursing judgment to develop plans of care; communicate appropriately between patients and providers; coordinate ongoing care through specialist referrals; and document calls using the SBAR format.
Prepare patients for provider examinations by reviewing records, weighing patients, checking vital signs, reconciling medications, and gathering relevant care information.
Assist providers by retrieving tests and medical records and obtaining requested tests, records, and laboratory work.
Dispense medications at a provider's direction and instruct patients and family members on correct medication use.
Perform or assist with phlebotomy; label and handle specimens, complete requisitions, collect specimens according to procedures, and document quality control activities.
Enter orders accurately and complete required documentation.