2009 ~ Triage First Newsletter ~ Issue 1


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Triage Specialist Course Comments

"I absolutely had a life-changing experience. I know in my heart I went into nursing to make a difference. I am inspired to 'make it better'."
Nina S., RN, EMT-P

"My toolbelt is now full with the tools not only to care and practice mercy with my patients, but also to influence and encourage my co-workers to change our culture and overcome the stumbling blocks in our way."
Jackie M., RN

"I loved the class and learned so much."
Robin I., RN, BSN, MSN-ANP

"Thank you for realizing the need for improved process and for teaching this course - But more than anything, renewing my faith in the Triage Nursing process."
Sandra M., RN, ADN, Nurse Manager

"Great instructors - down to earth and passionate about the material! I cannot wait to bring my knowedge back to the hospital to share and I can't wait to teach my 1st course." Michelle T., RN, MA, CEN, Assistant Director Emergency Services

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Something beautiful...

Triage Specialist Course
Comprehensive Training for the Triage Educator


August 23 - 28, 2009
Asheville, NC
Now accepting applications

More info

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Two-Day Course
Comments

"I am a new ER nurse and this class has given me another view of ER/triage. I have a desire to learn more and stay longer."

"Great job!! I left with some great ideas and information to make our ED/Triage better. I was amazed by the things we can improve and what we are doing incorrectly."

"I appreciated that we were taught by an ER RN. It is refreshing to have someone that can relate to what we face."

"I would absolutely recommend this program to other nursing professionals."

"Everything covered was nurse-driven - this class is for nurses, by nurses."

"Two-day course is real world knowledge - now I can't wait to go to the Triage Specialist Course."

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Triage First, Inc.

Email
info@triagefirst.com

Website
www.triagefirst.com

Phone
(828) 628-8029

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Ask the Experts



Question:
Would you please clarify what time should be documented as the patients "arrival time"? We are entering the time that the patient information in entered into the computer by registration staff and this may be delayed when the bus unloads and lots of patients arrive at the same time.

Answer:
The problem identified by this question is one that is unequivocally a patient safety issue and is unfortunately common. Clearly, the time that should be documented is the time that the patient actually arrives to the emergency department.1 Yet the reality is that many facilities have a poor process in place resulting in patients queuing up at the registration desk before they are seen by a registered nurse. This can result in delays of 30 minutes or longer. While accurate time documentation is obviously a medical/legal consideration, delays between the front door and assessment by a registered nurse can potentially contribute to negative patient outcomes. The issue, therefore, is a serious one and each facility should determine the best possible mechanism to accurately capture the true arrival to emergency department time. "Triage begins when the patient enters the emergency department."2

1Newberry, L. & Criddle, L.M. (Eds.) (2005). Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care (6th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

2Hoyt, K.S. & Selfridge-Thomas, J. (Eds.). (2007). Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum. St. Louis: Saunders.

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Copyright 2009 Triage First, Inc.