![]()
June 15, 2022
Overview
The Treatment Assessment Room (TAR) nurse is responsible for the reassessment and initiation of simple nursing care for all patients within the Triage Area (Walk-in and Ambulance Victoria). The TAR nurse will work closely with the Triage Nurses, Fast Track Nurse and ED Medical Officers to initiate early interventions and investigations to improve safety of patients in the waiting room.
The early interventions commenced in the waiting room by the TAR nurse will reduce the time patients need to wait to for a disposition decision, improve flow through the Emergency Department and will contribute to an improved patient experience within the Emergency Department.
Responsibilities
The FED NUM, FED Director and FED Educators are responsible for ensuring that all staff within the Department are aware of the responsibilities of the Triage Assessment Room Nurse.
Role Details
- Receive handover from the previous shift TAR Nurse or Triage Nurse
- Check and restock equipment needed for Triage Assessment
- Complete a set of vital signs and basic patient assessment (including BOC) on all patients in the Waiting Room prioritising those who are most unwell (ie Cat 3s) or those who have exceeded the recommended ATS wait time
- Receive patients from AV who are suitable and appropriate for assessment TAR
- Utilise the three designated TAR Cubicles for initiating Pathology, ECG, X-ray and analgesia as required
- Escalate concerns or signs/symptoms of clinical deterioration to the Triage Nurse, NIC and Senior Doctor
- Provide compassionate and effective communication to patients and carers to ensure a positive patient experience
- The TAR Nurse will record all vital signs, patient assessment and interventions on EDIS or an Emergency Department Adult Flow Chart (AD51.2a)
- The TAR Nurse will document when a patient has been returned to the waiting room
- The TAR Nurse will start a chart for patients requiring admission to a ward or SSU, alternatively if a space is available in SSU the chart can be started there.
- Use the comments section on EDIS to monitor patients in need of assessment
Supporting Documentation
Nil
