What is the role of a triage nurse when assessing clients?

The role of a triage nurse is crucial in emergency care settings, as it involves classifying clients based on the severity of their injuries or medical conditions. This assessment ensures that those who require immediate attention receive it promptly, while individuals with less critical needs can be attended to subsequently. The triage process helps to streamline the flow of patients in busy environments, such as emergency rooms, and it maximizes the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Triage nurses use established protocols and their clinical judgment to categorize patients, often using systems like the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) or similar frameworks. By accurately determining the urgency of various cases, they help prioritize care and resources effectively, which is essential in managing overall patient outcomes and optimizing the workflow in healthcare facilities.