Careers

Rural Health Group is seeking a full time on site nurse to fill the role of Triage Nurse (LPN/RN) - Behavioral Health. This position will assist our telepsychiatry program at our family practice medical clinics located in northeastern North Carolina. This position will be based in our West Side region supporting our clinics in Norlina, Hollister, Henderson, Lake Gaston and Stovall.

The role of this position is to help the clinic (providers and staff) determine what type of care patients need, in an effort to improve access. The nurse can assess a patient’s situation, either over the phone or in person, to help determine whether a patient needs an appointment or not and, if so, how urgently that patient needs the appointment. The Triage Nurse uses sound clinical/critical thinking skills, established/approved protocols (based on evidenced-based medicine), and close communication with the medical providers in the clinic to assure that patients’ needs are met in a way that doesn’t compromise patient safety or quality of care.
 
Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs short evaluation of patient’s situation to determine if hospitalization, behavioral health support or behavioral health medication is needed.
• Appropriately communicates all appropriate patient information regarding actual and/or potential issues with the provider. Ensures that communication is complete, accurate and timely.
• Confers with a behavioral health provider to determine how soon a patient will require an appointment and schedules appropriately.
• Reviews, processes and returns all patient calls in a timely manner per RHG guidelines.
• Participates in ongoing education and evidence-based practice suited for behavioral health to maintain current knowledge of the behavioral health role, nursing assessments, and treatments.
• Functions as clinical support person and assists behaviorists when needed, to ensure smooth flow of the walk-in schedule.
• Communicates and collaborates well with front desk staff to ensure that patients’ needs are met. Receives information related to patients needing to be seen. Also, gives front desk relevant information and updates.
• Documents assessments completely and accurately in the patient’s chart in real time in non-emergent situations.
• Participates in team huddles, quality improvement, and staff meetings to ensure appropriate communications with the clinical team, as well as all ancillary staff within the patient centered medical home.

Must demonstrate the Rural Health Group Core Competencies, which include:

1. Good Judgment
2. Communication/Customer Service/Teamwork
3. Passion
4. Honesty
5. Responsibility
6. Job-Specific Skill Set - including knowledge, skills, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a Triage Nurse

 
Requirements:

• Current LPN or RN NC Nursing license is required - unrestricted
• Minimum five years of experience as nurse in outpatient, community/health, critical care or emergency care setting
• Preferred, one to two years of telephone triage experience, preferably in a medical setting
• Phone nurse training or experience is a plus, but not required
• Knowledge of funding resources and clinical standards and outcomes
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Competent in the following:
  • Organization skills
  • Evaluation skills
  • Change management
  • Self-direction
• Demonstrates:
  • Strong verbal and written communication / interpersonal skills; proficient teaching skills
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Flexibility and assertiveness
  • Ability to use good judgment
  • Ability to work effectively with others
  • Creativity and attention to detail in the production of materials
  • Timely completion of documentation
  • Understanding of patient-centered care
  • Appropriate awareness of personal and professional boundaries with staff and patients
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus, but not required; applicants who may serve in a translating capacity will be required to take a language assessment

EOE. Federal and State Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screen required for all positions. Influenza vaccination is a condition of employment.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.