Ambulatory Oncology Triage Nurse: A Role Who’s Time Has Come!

1. Ambulatory Oncology Triage Nurse: A Role Who’s Time Has Come! • Michelle Wasko MS, RN, NE-BC; Lisa Blackburn MS, RN, AOCNS; Shelly Brown BSN, RN, OCN; Anna Connair BSN, RN, OCN; • Kelly Lehmkuhl BSN, RN, OCN; Christine Maurer BSN, RN, OCN RESULTS: OBJECTIVE: JOBS OF THE TRIAGE NURSE: OBJECTIVE: Visit & discharge call back Medication refills Prior authorization Tracking lab results Sending orders to local facilities Arranging local transfusions Symptom management Emotional support/advice Management of incoming paperwork To evaluate the implementation of the ambulatory oncology triage nurse role in a busy ambulatory Hematology and Transplant Clinic (HTC). RESULTS: TRIAGE NURSE SURVEY: How comfortable were you with the following components of your role prior to and after role implementation? IMPLICATIONS: The role of the ambulatory oncology triage nurse is vital in a busy hematology clinic! Clinics successfully implementing this role, such as the HTC, can be used as training grounds for implementation of the role in other oncology specialties! Triage Nurses in the Hematology Transplant Clinic TOPIC SIGNIFICANCE: The bulk of oncology patient care has shifted to the ambulatory setting in the last decade, challenging the traditional nursing role. Telephone triage and phone advise is a key skill set for the ambulatory nurse. Recent literature has shown that calls from patients are a major component of outpatient oncology nurse practice. Telephone triage can be a daunting role if the nurse is not prepared. Current Triage RN’s on a busy day in the HTC!!.