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BASIC DESCRIPTION
An ambulatory care nurse works as part of a multidisciplinary health care team to provide primary care to a specific population. Depending on the role the nurse plays within the ambulatory center, the work activities will differ. A triage nurse may primarily work in a walk-in area or on the telephone assessing the patients and making determinations on the priority with which they must be seen or referred. Working with a multidisciplinary team entails gathering a medical history and information about the chief complaint and checking vital signs. Once the practitioner has seen the patient, the nurse will perform follow-up treatment such as drawing labs and teaching the patient regarding the condition and discharge instructions.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Registered nurse preparation is required; certification is available from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS NEEDED
■ Knowledge of illnesses and symptoms including diagnosis and management
■ Experience with triage
■ Strong assessment and organizational skills
■ Communication skills
■ Ability to collaborate and function as a member of a multidisciplinary team
■ Ability to function in a fast-paced environment
■ Interest in working with a diverse population
RELATED WEB SITEs AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
■ American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (www.aaacn.org/)
■ American Nurses Credentialing Center (www.nursecredenting.org)