How to Become a Triage Nurse
Patients need different levels of medical attention depending on their unique scenarios. For example, an individual who sustains a serious injury from a car accident would require immediate medical care, whereas someone with a minor cut on their finger needing stitches could be stabilized while they wait for treatment. Triage nurses play a crucial role in swiftly assessing patient needs to pinpoint cases that require urgent care. As vital members of the healthcare team, these nurses remain composed under stressful conditions to ensure that patients receive the prompt and essential care they require.
This article will address:
- Duties of a triage nurse - Educational requirements for triage nurses - Certification options available for triage nurses - Remote employment opportunities for triage nurses - Job outlook and salary expectations for triage nurses
Explore job openings that match your qualifications and get answers to your nursing-related questions.
Let’s get started!
What is your current role? - Staff nurse - Manager - Other
### Duties of a Triage Nurse
A triage nurse, also called a Registered Nurse (RN), is qualified and trained to deal with medical crises. These professionals typically work in emergency departments and trauma centers, where they conduct assessments, prioritize care based on urgency, and initiate medical treatment for patients in need of emergency services.
Most triage nurses have completed at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and possess additional certifications. This advanced education and training are essential for their role, which includes making healthcare decisions in rapidly changing circumstances. Triage nurses must have extensive knowledge to evaluate patient symptoms and quickly determine treatment options.
### Educational Requirements for Triage Nurses
To become a triage nurse, candidates must first complete an appropriate nursing program. Although nurses can obtain RN licensure with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), those aspiring to work as triage nurses must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a minimum qualification.
Some nurses may finish their ADN and take the NCLEX-RN exam before advancing to a BSN program. This approach allows RNs to gain practical experience while furthering their education. A full-time traditional BSN program typically takes three to four years to complete. RNs studying while working may take longer to obtain their advanced degrees.
### Certification Options for Triage Nurses
Certification is the final step to becoming a triage nurse. It signifies to healthcare employers that candidates possess the essential skills necessary for this fast-paced nursing role. Here are a few certification options:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification – American Heart Association - Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification – (RN-BC) American Nurses Association - Emergency Room Nurse Certification – Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) - Trauma Certified Registered Nurse – (TCRN) Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)
Each certification has its specific eligibility criteria that need to be met before enrollment. The renewal cycles for these certifications vary, making it prudent to consult the respective certifying body's guidelines for renewal deadlines. Some programs may also require continuing education.
### Remote Employment Opportunities for Triage Nurses
With the rise of telehealth, various healthcare providers are hiring triage nurses to support patients over the phone. These positions differ somewhat from the roles of traditional triage nurses working onsite in emergency departments. Telephone triage nurses often work remotely, managing calls from patients with a wide range of health concerns. They assess conditions and determine whether patients should contact their primary healthcare provider or seek urgent care at the nearest emergency facility.
Telephone triage nurses must possess skills equivalent to their in-person peers. They must quickly assess patient information and decide on the appropriate triage level:
- Patient can wait without immediate medical intervention - Patient will not survive even with immediate care - Patient can only survive with prompt medical attention
Handling such situations over the phone provides unique challenges that traditional triage nurses may not encounter, which can increase stress levels in this role.
### Job Outlook and Salary Expectations for Triage Nurses
As of May 27, 2022, the typical annual salary for triage nurses ranges from approximately $51,521 to $73,784. The cities offering the highest compensation for triage nurses include:
- San Francisco, CA - New York, NY - Boston, MA - Washington, D.C. - Chicago, IL
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for triage nurses, like other RNs, is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with the healthcare industry projected to add an additional 276,800 RNs to the current 3.08 million healthcare professionals.
