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

RN Runner

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$68K - $79K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Registered Nurse (RN) Runner is an experienced registered professional nurse ... Performs triage with the caregiver/family regarding patient needs, pain crisis, end-of-life issues ...

RN Runner

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Registered Nurse (RN) Runner is an experienced registered professional nurse ... Performs triage with the caregiver/family regarding patient needs, pain crisis, end-of-life issues ...

Showing results 21-40

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 11, 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 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,395 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

$47.38/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 4 days ago


UNM Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials

Compensation Disclaimer

Compensation for this role is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.

Department: Crisis Triage Center

FTE: 0.05
PRN
Shift: Nights

Position Summary:
Work within the nursing process to provide direct nursing care to assigned patients. Provide clinical leadership for other staff. Serve as a role model to promote a positive work environment and quality patient care. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups.

Detailed responsibilities:
* PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
* DEVELOPMENT - Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
* ENVIRONMENT - Maintain a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with Hospitals standards
* PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
* PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
* POLICIES - Work within Hospitals, Nursing division and departmental policies
* CARE PLAN - Work in collaboration with the healthcare team, implement and document individualized care plans incorporating age specific considerations, including discharge planning and patient/family teaching
* MEDICATION - Administer medication, including IV medication, via the Seven Rights; document and communicate clinical findings
* TESTS AND PROCEDURES - Assist with special tests and procedures, ensure proper consent has been obtained
* EMERGENCY MEASURES - Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden, adverse developments in patients
* PATIENT CARE - Deliver safe direct care to an assigned group of patients as required
* MEDICAL RECORDS - Ensure that patient medical records contain necessary information
* INQUIRIES - Answer telephones and triage calls as per departmental policy
* PARTICIPATION - Participate in orientation; upon successful completion of preceptor training assume precepting and evaluation responsibilities of new personnel
* PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
* PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"

Qualifications

Education:
Essential:
* Program Graduate
Nonessential:
* Bachelor's Degree
Education specialization:
Essential:
* Nationally Accredited Nursing Graduate
Nonessential:
* Nursing

Experience:
Essential:
2 years directly related experience
Nonessential:
Bilingual English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo

Credentials:
Essential:
* CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days
* RN in NM or as allowed by reciprocal agreement by NM
Nonessential:
* Nationally Certified in area of specialty
* PALS
* TNCC and/or ENPC

Physical Conditions:
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Working conditions:
Essential:
* Sig Hazard: Chemicals, Bio Hazardous Materials req PPE
* Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required


Department: Registered Nurse


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