Triage RN in Outpatient Family Medicine

Unity Care NW • Bellingham, WA

4d • $40 - $49 • Onsite

About The Position

The Triage RN provides centralized, protocol driven clinical triage for all Unity Care NW patients, neonate to geriatric, to assess patient concerns, determine urgency, and route patients to the appropriate level of care. This role ensures timely, consistent, and safe clinical decision making, protects provider capacity, and supports same day access across the primary care clinics.

Requirements

• Knowledge and training in the field of Nursing typically acquired through a formal BSN degree program
• Washington State RN License
• Ambulatory Care Nursing Board Certification (if not currently certified, must obtain within first year of employment and we'll reimburse the certification exam cost after passing the exam)
• Minimum 3 years RN experience
• Demonstrated expertise in clinical assessment and triage skills
• Experience using structured triage protocols and decision support tools
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (can get certified when starting)
• Ability to use the following software: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Electronic Medical Records (we use Epic), patient scheduling system, HR/Payroll program for timesheets, training systems and SharePoint.
• Ability to understand and respond effectively and with sensitivity to special population groups, including those defined by race, ethnicity, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing, and others.

Nice To Haves

• Significant triage experience in urgent care, primary care, or ED
• Ability to communicate bilingually in English & Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts telephone triage and responds to in-basket messages as assigned using Schmitt-Thompson Triage protocols
• Assesses symptoms, risk factors, and red flags to determine urgency and appropriate disposition
• Routes patients to RN visits, provider visits, same day care, ED, or home care as appropriate
• Provides clear, clinically appropriate guidance and education within scope using approved protocols and clinical guidance
• Manages assigned RN Pool accurately and within required timeframes
• Uses best practice workflows, including documentation standards
• Communicates clearly with Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, providers, and MAs to ensure smooth handoffs
• Identifies trends, bottlenecks, or recurring issues impacting triage efficiency
• Supports same day access by prioritizing urgent and time-sensitive patient needs
• Escalates high-risk or complex cases promptly to providers or supervisors
• Collaborates with Clinic RNs to align triage decisions with clinic capacity and staffing
• Ensures critical results and urgent findings are addressed within required timeframes
• Applies triage protocols consistently to reduce variation and risk
• Documents all triage interactions accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Participates in protocol development, review, and ongoing refinement
• Supports training and coaching of Clinic RNs and staff related to triage workflows as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1, 156 hours accrued in Year 2 and gradually increasing to 196 hours accrued per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours paid
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services
• Continuing Education (days & funds)
• Reimbursement of Washington State license renewal fees
• Loan Repayment Application Opportunities
• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level