Unsure if this is for me

[DinoNurse, BSN]

Hello! I'm rather new to telephone triage, only been at it for the past year. I took the job, not knowing exactly what it entailed. Barely recieved any training (went from inpatient to triage for primary care), have no protocols or policies to follow. I've been trying to do my best with critical thinking and dispositions and bought resources that have been useful, but I'm terrified that I'm going to either kill someone or lose my license.

I've never has a nursing position that has no structure, policies, protocols, etc. Kind of put the team together with no job description or anything else in place. Literally been learn as you go.

There are many obvious encounters that need ED asap or 911. But there are so many gray areas, even using the telephone protocol book I bought as a resource.

Each encounter is sent to the provider when I'm done documenting, so its being reviewed usually within the hour. I tell myself that covers me in case I give incorrect info, the provider will read it and respond with whatever they recommend. But at the same time, I'm scared I'm going to cause harm to someone and/or lose my license.

I left the hospital because I was burned out. This position had great hours, with much flexibility. Holidays and weekends off. Great benefits. So many pros. With the hugest con.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for by writing this post. Maybe encouragement. Maybe a smack in the face ?‍♀️ any replies are appreciated.

[ILoveHorsesRN, ADN]

I am shocked that your job doesn't have protocols in place! That sounds dangerous. You are putting your license on the line. I feel nervous about this job and we have many many rules and protocols to use that guide us throughout our call. Have your calls all been a safe outcome? I would feel extremely on edge with no protocols in place. Are you the only nurse there?

[DinoNurse, BSN]

When I found out about the lack of protocols I was shocked too. I've been pushing for them but it's not going anywhere. One disposition that was not handled correctly, that was rectified in a timely manner. No bad outcomes that I've been told of. I'm not the only one, there are a handful of us. We bounce things off of each other as needed.

[CJNRN2007]

Hi, I work at telephone triage as well. We use Schmitt/Thompson protocols to guide our assessments. Very structured. Company name is Triage Logic. Hope this helps.