Triage Research Nurse

It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission.

Our people are the foundation of our success. By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have the opportunity to become part of one of the largest community-based cancer programs to advance oncology treatments and improve outcomes for cancer patients across the globe. We look for mission-driven candidates who have a desire to advance the fight against cancer and make a difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer every day.

Our Mission

People who live with cancer – those who work to prevent it, fight it, and survive it – are at the heart of every decision we make. Bringing the most innovative medical minds together with the most passionate caregivers in their communities, we are transforming care and personalizing treatment. Through clinical excellence and cutting-edge research, SCRI is redefining cancer care around the world.

The Triage Research Nurse monitors and returns calls/communications related to SCRI Oncology Partners for clinical trial patients consulting with physicians/APPs when appropriate. The Triage Nurse must recognize physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of care and accurately identify patients with high-risk conditions. While supporting all triage processes, the Triage Nurse works within the RN scope of practice as defined by the TN Board of Nursing and SCRI policies and procedures.

• You will address patient calls, portal messages, tasks, and emails concerning a wide range of symptom/side effect related and other patient care topics on time. You will ask appropriate, open-ended questions to assist in the assessment of patient’s symptoms and side effect management inquiries and document recommended/actual interventions.
• You will review clinical study protocols related to patient care and adherence to protocols.
• You will report Serious Adverse Events to the Safety Coordinator and follow up with medical records on hospital discharge records.
• You will recognize changes in the patient's status and need for care.
• You will assess urgency of patient symptoms/side effects and addresses them appropriately, aggressively managing them to prevent unnecessary emergency department and hospital utilization.
• You will respond to emergency situations/calls and coordinates care/EMS response as necessary.
• You will collaborate with physicians via electronic communication, face-to-face, or the telephone to discuss patient care needs that cannot be independently and appropriately addressed using standing orders or practice protocols.
• You will collaborate with the scheduling team based on patient needs and triage interventions to set up same-day and/or future provider/infusion room appointments to address symptom management concerns.
• You will provide clear education to patients and caregivers including verifying understanding of instructions/plan.
• You will counsel patients, family, and/or caregivers about side effects of medication, therapy, applicable referrals, as well as available community resources.
• You will notify patients of normal and or stable lab/test results or abnormal lab/test results after collaboration with the provider on needed interventions.
• You will apply critical thinking and astute clinical judgment while evaluating patients.
• You will encourage patient compliance with supportive and treatment regimens.
• You will promote patient self-care responsibility for meeting their own health needs.
• You will identify and accommodate patients’ disabilities & limitations. You will access resources for interpretive services and/or other needed accommodations.
• You will adapt personal communication style to meet the needs of the patient and/or other customers in diverse personal, professional, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• You will assist with prior authorization for prescription refills if needed.
• You will coordinate triage efforts with Front Office, Nursing, Patient Advocates/Financial Counselors, Pharmacy and or other departments to ensure effective/efficient communication to meet patient needs.
• You will perform charting and updating of records in the EMR as expected.
• You will act as an expert oncology/SCRI resource for healthcare team, patients, caregivers and external agencies/organizations
• You will utilize triage care plans/pathways/algorithms for patient care in assigned clinics ensuring quality of service and adherence to standardized nursing procedures/protocols, quality improvement objectives, safety, environmental and infection control standards
  
  

You should have for this position:

• Associate Degree/Diploma in Nursing required, BSN preferred or 2-years of relevant experience in oncology and/or telephone triage preferred
• Knowledge of oncology/hematology diseases, treatments, and side effects/reactions of related therapy methods.
• Outpatient Ambulatory experience preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present information in an organized framework-SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
• Ability to assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients through technology methods
• Demonstrates exceptional assessment, critical thinking, and customer service skills
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
• Excellent telephone etiquette
  
  

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute

Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. In 2022, SCRI formed a joint venture with former US Oncology Research to expand clinical trial access across the country. It has conducted more than 750 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today. SCRI’s research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are actively enrolling patients into clinical trials at more than 250 locations in 24 states across the U.S. Please click here to learn more about our research offerings.

We care about the well-being of the patients and communities we serve, and that starts with caring for our people. That’s why we have a Total Rewards package that includes comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our Total Rewards offerings serve the different needs of our diverse colleague population and ensure they are the healthiest versions of themselves. For more information regarding benefits through our parent company, McKesson, please click here.

As part of Total Rewards, we are proud to offer a competitive compensation package. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.