Triage / Medical History

Use your medical skills to help change lives!

Purpose & Impact of Position: Provide professional nursing care including obtaining medical histories and vital signs from patients during their appointment

Qualifications/Requirements: 

• 1+ days/month 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
• EMT, MA, LPN, RN, or equivalent background (active license) 
• Basic computer skills

Location(s): On-site clinics (Athens, Crab Orchard, Decatur, Gatlinburg, Rutledge, Washburn)
# Volunteers in this position at each clinic: 2 per station

Location of Needed Items: Triage box and computer in computer box on clinic

Position Details:

• Most important for every position is treating each person with dignity and respect and establishing a compassionate environment by providing emotional and spiritual support to patients, friends, and families as needed
• Builds rapport with each patient to help him/her feel comfortable coming to the clinic, while also respecting each patient’s time and that the clinic needs to maintain patient flow
• Maintains and ensures patient privacy
  • Note: Not all patients may be aware that their information is confidential, so please reassure patients of their privacy.
• Arrives before beginning of clinic for announcements and group prayer
• Upon arrival at the site:
  •  Obtains needed items (below) & sets up station with table and chairs:
    • Computer, mouse, and power cord
    • BP meters/cuffs/stethoscopes (currently only 1 large cuff)
    • Thermometer (electronic scanner and small digital oral – if temperature is <97°F, please retake) Note: during pandemic, temperature is taken by hospitality
    • Pulse oximeter for recording pulse and oxygen levels
    • Glucometer, strips, and lancets
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Gauze 
    • Gloves
    • Sharps container
    • Band aids
    • Hand sanitizer 
    • Weight scale
• Completes glucometer calibration (use calibration/quality log)
• Greets and introduces self to the patient
  • Asks patient to state his/her DOB to confirm correct chart
  • Provides patient with information about services provided and NOT provided as needed
• Completes/updates the following (details on Athena training page):
  • Reason for visit (ask if anything medically significant has occurred since last appointment and/or if the patient have any additional concerns the day of their visit)
  • Allergies
  • Medication reconciliation (may need to look up if unknown) - which taking and using appropriately?
  • Vaccines
  • Family, social, surgical, and medical history (refer to Athena training page for specifications)
  • Vitals and documents with details: BP (if high, wait 5-10 minutes and then recheck with a manual cuff), pulse, RR, pulse ox, blood glucose (for NP, DM, annual physical, & PRN), weight, temp, ask height 
  • Note: Please take time to chat with the patient about each item entered. This builds rapport and patients often remember significant history after conversation may prod memory.
• Cleans station between each patient
• Coordinates with Site Manager regarding next station for patient and any concerns, issues, and/or needs throughout clinic day
• Provides other assistance or support when needed
• At end of shift: 
  • Cleans/reorders and helps reload clinic
  • Records any needed supplies on restocking sheet and/or makes needs list (when necessary) and gives to Nurse Manager or Site Manager
  • Signs Volunteer Service Hours log and returns badge

All St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application, attend a Volunteer Orientation, and complete the Safe Environment training.