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Telephone Triage Nurse Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

The Triage Nurse is a remote Registered Nurse who provides telephone and electronic triage support to firsthand individuals and staff, while also supporting outpatient care coordination. This is ...

The Triage Nurse is a remote Registered Nurse who provides telephone and electronic triage support to firsthand individuals and staff, while also supporting outpatient care coordination. This is ...

RN-Outpatient Team Nurse

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39.69 - $58.17/hr

Utilizes the nursing process to provide direct patient care for telephone triage in the ambulatory care setting per clinic staffing models. * Responsible for Medication Refill Management as an agent ...

Registered Nurse

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$34 - $46/hr

We provide crisis stabilization, triage, medical detox, 90-day inpatient treatment, and housing ... photocopier, telephone, calculator and medical equipment. * Have normal range of hearing and ...

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Telephone Triage Nurse information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$34

$47

How much do telephone triage nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for telephone triage nurse in Rio Rancho, NM is $34.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $40.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges telephone triage nurses face when assessing patients remotely?

Telephone Triage Nurses often encounter the challenge of accurately assessing a patient's condition without the benefit of visual or physical examination. This requires strong listening, critical thinking, and communication skills to ask the right questions and interpret subtle cues in a patient's voice or description of symptoms. Additionally, they must make swift, evidence-based decisions regarding the urgency of care, all while documenting interactions thoroughly and maintaining a calm, reassuring presence. Collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals is also essential to ensure patients receive appropriate follow-up care.

What is a telephone triage nurse?

As a telephone triage nurse, you answer incoming patient calls to a hospital or other health care facility. Your job is to act as a remote advisor or consultant, helping patients decide whether they need to come to a hospital. You ask specific questions and access the patient’s previous health care records to determine what method of care is best. You use your knowledge to provide quick and accurate advice to the best of your ability.

What is a telephone triage nurse?

A Telephone Triage Nurse is a registered nurse who assesses patients' symptoms and medical concerns over the phone. They use clinical guidelines and their nursing expertise to determine the urgency of the situation, provide medical advice, and direct patients to the appropriate level of care. These nurses play a critical role in ensuring patients receive timely care, often working for hospitals, clinics, or healthcare call centers. Their role helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and ensures patients get the right care at the right time.

What is the difference between Telephone Triage Nurse vs Emergency Room Nurse?

AspectTelephone Triage NurseEmergency Room Nurse
CredentialsRN license, triage certification often preferredRN license, ER-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentPhone-based, remote or clinic settingHospital ER, fast-paced environment
Employer & IndustryHealthcare clinics, telehealth servicesHospitals, emergency departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

While both roles require RN licensure, Telephone Triage Nurses primarily work remotely or in clinics providing advice over the phone, focusing on patient assessment and guidance. Emergency Room Nurses work directly in hospital ERs, handling acute, high-pressure situations. The key difference lies in the work environment and scope of patient interaction, with Telephone Triage Nurses offering remote support and ER Nurses providing hands-on emergency care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a telephone triage nurse?

To thrive as a Telephone Triage Nurse, you need a solid clinical background, critical thinking abilities, and a registered nursing license. Familiarity with triage protocols, telephone communication systems, and electronic health records (EHRs) is typically required. Excellent listening skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential to accurately assess patient needs remotely, ensure patient safety, and provide effective care guidance over the phone.

How do you become a telephone triage nurse?

To become a telephone triage nurse, you typically need to earn a nursing license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in nursing and may require additional training in triage protocols or certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS).

How much do telephone triage nurses make?

Telephone triage nurses typically earn an average annual salary between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in healthcare call centers or telehealth settings, requiring strong communication skills and medical knowledge.
What are the most commonly searched types of Telephone Triage Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Telephone Triage Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Telephone Triage Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Telephone Triage Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Telephone Triage Nurse jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Telephone Triage Nurse job openings:
Infographic showing various Telephone Triage Nurse job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,395 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Remote Triage Nurse

firsthand Health

Albuquerque, NM • Remote

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Triage Nurse is a remote Registered Nurse who provides telephone and electronic triage support to firsthand individuals and staff, while also supporting outpatient care coordination. This is primarily a day-shift role (8 hours/day, 8:30-4:30 PST), with occasional potential for nights or weekends. When not managing acute issues, Triage Nurses focus on care coordination, training, and related administrative tasks.

Responsibilities of a Triage Nurse include:
  • Triage and Escalation: Manage inbound clinical issues from firsthand staff and patients via phone; triage appropriately and escalate emergencies immediately.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with peer mental health workers, social workers, and APPs to address acute issues comprehensively.
  • Coordination: Coordinate care with patients' other providers to ensure seamless health management.
  • Training: Develop and deliver training on basic medical topics for peer mental health workers and social workers.
Triage Nurses should have:
  • Strong triage and prioritization skills, with the ability to rapidly assess and determine the appropriate level of care.
  • Problem-solving expertise with a creative, patient-centered approach.
  • Ability to provide condition-specific patient education and self-management guidance.
  • Adaptability to varying team cultures and processes.
  • Empathy, compassion, and approachability in patient and team interactions.
Required experience includes:
  • Active RN license through a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state and willingness to obtain licensure in non-compact states.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associates of Nursing (ASN)
  • At least 3 years of Emergency Room (ER) experience 
  • Experience working with populations facing challenges such as serious mental illness, behavioral health conditions, and/or substance use disorders
  • Care management and coordination experience.
Bonus Points for:
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC)
  • Washington state RN license