What does a telephonic nurse do?

1 Role and Responsibilities

The role and responsibilities of a telephonic nurse may vary depending on the employer, the setting, and the population served; however, some common tasks involve answering calls from patients, assessing their condition and needs using clinical judgment and protocols, providing suitable information and guidance based on the caller's situation, documenting call details and outcomes in the electronic health record or database, coordinating care with other health care professionals or agencies as needed, and following up with the caller or provider to ensure continuity and quality of care.

2 Skills and Qualifications

To become a telephonic nurse, you need to have a valid RN license and a minimum of two years of clinical experience in a relevant specialty, such as emergency, pediatrics, geriatrics, or chronic disease management. You also need to have strong communication, listening, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, you need to have basic computer and phone skills, and familiarity with medical terminology and coding. Some employers may require or prefer additional certifications, such as CPR, BLS, ACLS, or CCM.

3 Benefits and Challenges

Working as a telephonic nurse can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, variety, satisfaction, and growth. However, the job can also pose some challenges. You may feel isolated from your colleagues if you work remotely or on different shifts. In addition, you may face high call volumes, complex cases, difficult callers, or technical issues that can cause stress and affect your performance. You may also be held liable for any errors, omissions, or adverse events that may occur as a result of your advice or actions.