Triage RN in Outpatient Family Medicine

Triage RN Position

The Triage RN provides centralized, protocol driven clinical triage for all Unity Care NW patients, neonate to geriatric, to assess patient concerns, determine urgency, and route patients to the appropriate level of care. This role ensures timely, consistent, and safe clinical decision making, protects provider capacity, and supports same day access across the primary care clinics. The primary duties and responsibilities are below:

1. Clinical Triage & Assessment:

a. Conducts telephone triage and responds to in-basket messages as assigned using Schmitt-Thompson Triage protocols

b. Assesses symptoms, risk factors, and red flags to determine urgency and appropriate disposition

c. Routes patients to RN visits, provider visits, same day care, ED, or home care as appropriate

d. Provides clear, clinically appropriate guidance and education within scope using approved protocols and clinical guidance

2. In-Basket & Workflow Management

a. Manages assigned RN Pool accurately and within required timeframes

b. Uses best practice workflows, including documentation standards

c. Communicates clearly with Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, providers, and MAs to ensure smooth handoffs

d. Identifies trends, bottlenecks, or recurring issues impacting triage efficiency

3. Same Day Access & Escalation:

a. Supports same day access by prioritizing urgent and time-sensitive patient needs

b. Escalates high-risk or complex cases promptly to providers or supervisors

c. Collaborates with Clinic RNs to align triage decisions with clinic capacity and staffing

d. Ensures critical results and urgent findings are addressed within required timeframes

4. Quality & Team-Based Care:

a. Applies triage protocols consistently to reduce variation and risk

b. Documents all triage interactions accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR)

c. Participates in protocol development, review, and ongoing refinement

d. Supports training and coaching of Clinic RNs and staff related to triage workflows as assigned

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing more than 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

We strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

We value:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

What We Offer:

• A friendly and collaborative team environment
• A competitive compensation package
• Outpatient clinic – no hospital work
• Day shifts only – no nights
• No Sunday shifts

Loan Repayment Application Opportunities:

• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid.
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (Apply to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov)).

While employees at UCNW are eligible to apply for these loan repayment awards, receipt is not guaranteed.

Generous benefits including:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1, 156 hours accrued in Year 2 and gradually increasing to 196 hours accrued per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours paid
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services
• Continuing Education (days & funds)
• Reimbursement of Washington State license renewal fees

Requirements:

• Knowledge and training in the field of Nursing typically acquired through a formal BSN degree program
• Washington State RN License
• Ambulatory Care Nursing Board Certification (view details at Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC™) | ANA) - if not currently certified, must obtain within first year of employment and we'll reimburse the certification exam cost after passing the exam
• Minimum 3 years RN experience
• Demonstrated expertise in clinical assessment and triage skills
• Experience using structured triage protocols and decision support tools
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (can get certified when starting)
• Ability to use the following software: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Electronic Medical Records (we use Epic), patient scheduling system, HR/Payroll program for timesheets, training systems and SharePoint.
• Ability to understand and respond effectively and with sensitivity to special population groups, including those defined by race, ethnicity, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing, and others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant triage experience in urgent care, primary care, or ED
• Ability to communicate bilingually in English & Spanish a plus.

Qualified candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham:

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

• Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)
• Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)
• Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)
• Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants)

To Apply:

Visit our Careers Page at For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at

If you feel this job posting is missing any required compensation or benefit information, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Other questions can be addressed throughout the recruitment process for candidates selected to move forward.

Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up to date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.