Triage Nurses

Responsibilities

Assessment, Planning, Coordination and Implementation of Patient Care

• Assess patients and plan for their care as appropriate.
• Guide and organize Auxiliary Nurses in the department to meet patient care needs.
• Make orders of drugs and other supplies as necessary.
• Ensure patients access specialized procedures as prescribed by clinicians/doctors/other team members.
• Write report on patients during shift change.
• Attend and facilitate Continuous Medical Education (CME) and clinical audits.

Organization of Services

• Guide and supervise support staff on departmental cleanliness in the absence of the In-charge.
• Arrange and submit weekly/monthly unit work schedule, plan daily duties and responsibilities for support staff and leave plans to ensure adequate coverage in consultation with the facility/departmental in charge.

Essential Supplies and Equipment

• Keep inventory of drugs and equipment in the department.

Service Delivery (Quality Nursing Services)

• Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment and procedures are properly carried out and documented on patient’s charts.
• Provide quality triage services documenting vital signs, identify and initiate emergency care in collaboration with the clinicians.
• Document clearly patient vital signs in the patient cards, books and ensure growth monitoring charts are fully filled.
• Counsel and educate patients on identified psychosocial-economic needs.
• Adhere to the hospital health and safety policies, guidelines/protocols (e.g. the use of personal protective clothing/equipment).
• Provide standard care to patients at the triage, emergency and outpatient units.
• Identify and manage obstetric emergencies and newborn related emergencies appropriately.
• Manage post-natal mothers and their babies to prevent complications.
• Provide growth monitoring services including updating the MCH booklet as per guidelines.
• Manage minor childhood illnesses using national policies and guidelines.
• Provide health promotion services in the department.
• Provide emergency services including referral of patients to other level of care.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• In the absence of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), ensure the Child Welfare Clinic (CWC) register is clearly filled and support the generation of monthly reports.
• Write reports on services in the department as necessary through compiling and submitting weekly/monthly Health Information Systems (HIS) reports.

Requirements

• Certificate or Diploma in Nursing/Midwifery/Community Health Nursing from a recognized medical training college.
• A minimum of 1 year in clinical practice in a busy hospital.
• Registered by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
• Possess a valid practice license.
• Basic skills in computer applications.