The Triage Nurse is responsible for initial patient reception, rapid health assessment, and clinical risk prioritization during field missions and outreach operations. The role ensures patients are systematically evaluated, accurately categorized based on acuity, and safely routed to appropriate clinical services.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Prioritization
Conduct immediate, high-accuracy clinical intake and vital signs assessments (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation, glucose levels) for incoming patients.
Evaluate patient symptoms, medical histories, and chief complaints to determine level of urgency using standard clinical triage protocols.
Identify emergency or high-risk cases requiring immediate medical intervention and route them immediately to attending physicians or emergency care.
Patient Flow & Field Operations Support
Manage patient queuing and flow to optimize throughput and reduce waiting times in field environments and mobile clinic settings.
Register patient details and log accurate intake observations into electronic health records (EHR) or paper intake registers.
Coordinate with field team members (physicians, lab technicians, billing officers) to ensure smooth transitions between assessment, consultation, and treatment stations.
Basic Clinical Interventions & First Aid
Administer immediate basic life support (BLS), emergency first aid, or stabilization protocols when required prior to physician evaluation.
Provide health education, pre-test counseling, and clear instructions to patients regarding their intake process and care steps.
Assist in maintaining clinical supply inventory, ensuring emergency medication kits and diagnostic equipment (e.g., triage monitors, glucometers) are functional and fully stocked.
Safety, Compliance & Infection Control
Enforce strict infection prevention and control (IPC) standards, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, and sanitization of intake areas.
Ensure patient data privacy, confidentiality, and professional ethical standards during all field interactions.
Document and report clinical incidents, equipment malfunctions, or field safety concerns to the Medical superintendent
Key Competencies & Qualifications
Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (BSN / KRCHN or equivalent).
Minimum of 2+ years of clinical nursing experience in acute care, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, or mobile health outreach settings
Active registration and valid practicing license from the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an added advantage.
Proficiency in rapid clinical assessment, strong crisis prioritization skills, high emotional intelligence, and clear communication under fast-paced field conditions.