Oncology Triage Registered Nurse

Oncology Triage Nurse

An oncology triage nurse helps existing oncology and hematology patients. They often provide a cursory assessment of the patients and help them decide if they need to seek emergency treatment, make an appointment with a doctor, or treat themselves at home collaborating with other health care providers to deliver care and document outcomes.

Core Essential Responsibilities:

• Triage incoming calls from patients and physician offices, prioritizing and returning calls on the same day.
• Manage scan authorizations and ensure timely approval of radiology orders.
• Collaborate with providers on treatment side effects and appropriate actions.
• Maintain therapeutic communication with patients and families.
• Assist with prescriptions, refills, and review lab/imaging results with providers.
• Place orders for tests and procedures as confirmed by providers.
• Address clinical issues and escalate serious concerns to providers.
• Reduce unnecessary clinic visits and ER trips by providing self-care and symptom management advice.
• Arrange appointments for non-urgent cases and consult with providers as needed.
• Provide phone consultations, education, and triage based on oncology guidelines.
• Determine urgency of care based on assessment and patient history.
• Record consultations and treatments in the EHR system.
• Assist in implementing oncology policies and NCCN guidelines.

Requirements:

Required Education & Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program required.
• At least 1–2 years of oncology and/or infusion nursing experience preferred

Required Certificates, License or Registration:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state (required)
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) – preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification – preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:

• Solid understanding of oncology and hematology conditions, treatments, and symptom management.
• Proficient in clinical triage protocols, including assessing symptom severity and guiding appropriate care pathways.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and documentation standards in electronic health records (EHR), such as EPIC.