What is a triage nurse?

Triage nursing is the process of determining the priority of patients' medical needs. Triage nurses are responsible for assessing patients' conditions and determining the appropriate level of care they should receive. They also ensure that patients are seen by the appropriate healthcare provider in a timely manner.

Triage nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. They typically have a bachelor's degree in nursing and several years of experience working in critical care or emergency nursing.

Key responsibilities of triage nurses include:

- Initializing patient contact and conducting primary assessment

- Assigning triage category based on patient's vital signs, symptoms and medical history

- Determining appropriate medical interventions and care recommendations

- Communicating patient information and care needs to medical providers

- Educating patients about their condition and treatment plan

- Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients

Skills required to be a successful triage nurse include:

* Excellent assessment and critical thinking skills

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team

* Flexibility and adaptability

* Compassion and empathy

Additional duties of triage nurses may include:

- Coordinating patient flow and ensuring patient privacy

- Documenting patient encounters

- Referring patients for further care and following up on patient progress

- Working with other healthcare providers to ensure effective and efficient patient care