An oncology telephone triage nurse helps existing oncology and hematology patients with care over the phone. 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.
