Q:What's a typical workday like for you?
A:I address symptomatic calls for patients, direct the calls if needed and document each by computer. I give homecare advice, advise them to schedule with a physician or direct them to the emergency room. If the homecare they're doing doesn't fit with our guidelines, I speak with a physician about it. I have standing orders to call in prescriptions for certain medications for common childhood illnesses such as pink eye or strep throat. I document every call and fill out physical forms for schools, camps and daycare centers. I mentor and train registered nurses (RNs) and do immunization mentoring.
Q:How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
A:Every single call in medical information deals with the whole health picture, from illnesses in the community or seasonal illnesses such as allergies. I give holistic care, from basic questions about infant feeding, growth and development to addressing specific illnesses for patients up to age 18.
Q:Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
A:I interact with RNs and Licensed Professional Nurses (LPNs); medical assistants and physicians in the clinic; and parents, schools, pharmacies, insurance companies and the Park Nicollet managed care department.
Q:Why did you become a pediatric triage nurse?
A: I spent 17 years as an LPN, and I went back to school to become an RN to work in a pediatric clinic. I really enjoy the homecare teaching piece, which I provide under protocol and specific guidelines. The problem-solving process is fulfilling and at times, challenging.
