Remote Part‑Time Triage Registered Nurse – Access Services, Evening & Day Rotations, Weekend Availability, Illinois/Wisconsin/Indiana/Iowa

Why Northwestern Medicine?

Northwestern Medicine is a nationally recognized, academic health system that blends cutting‑edge research, world‑class clinical care, and a deep commitment to community health. With a legacy spanning more than a century, we have built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and compassion. Our nurses are the backbone of that reputation—delivering personalized, evidence‑based care that transforms lives every day. By joining our remote triage team, you will become part of a legacy that values professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a patient‑first mindset, all while working from the comfort of your home.

Position Overview

The Remote Triage Registered Nurse – Access Services is a vital member of our virtual care continuum. In this part‑time, rotating evening and day role (including weekend coverage), you will act as the first point of clinical contact for patients reaching out via phone or electronic messaging. Leveraging evidence‑based triage protocols, you will assess acuity, provide health education, and coordinate next‑step care—ensuring each patient receives timely, safe, and appropriate guidance. This position is open to licensed RNs residing in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Iowa, with an active Illinois RN license required.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Triage: Respond to inbound telephone calls and electronic messages, performing rapid, systematic assessments to determine patient acuity using validated triage algorithms.
• Patient Advocacy: Establish a compassionate first impression, actively listen, and empower patients by delivering clear, understandable health information and reassurance.
• Care Coordination: Schedule appropriate follow‑up visits, referrals, or urgent care referrals, documenting all actions accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Critical Thinking: Apply clinical judgment to adapt triage pathways when unique or complex situations arise, ensuring no patient falls through the cracks.
• Collaboration: Communicate findings and recommendations to the assigned provider, escalating when the clinical situation exceeds protocol limits.
• Documentation: Capture detailed notes of all interactions, assessments, and recommendations in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Quality Improvement: Participate in department‑wide quality initiatives, contribute ideas for process enhancements, and assist with onboarding new staff.
• Professional Development: Engage in continuing education, maintain current certifications, and stay abreast of emerging telehealth best practices.

Essential Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited RN program with current, unrestricted Illinois RN licensure.
• Minimum of 2 years of ambulatory or outpatient nursing experience, preferably within a large health system.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic medical records (Epic, Cerner, or similar) and virtual communication platforms.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a strong focus on patient‑centered service.
• Ability to work flexible evening, day, and weekend schedules on a rotating basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Specialty certification (e.g., Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse, Case Management, Telehealth Nursing) when eligible.
• Previous experience in remote triage, telehealth, or call‑center environments.
• Familiarity with evidence‑based triage protocols such as the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) or similar frameworks.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Clinical Acumen: Ability to quickly synthesize patient information, identify red flags, and prioritize care pathways.
• Technology Savvy: Comfort navigating EMR systems, secure messaging platforms, and telehealth applications.
• Emotional Intelligence: Sensitivity to diverse patient backgrounds, strong empathy, and the capacity to de‑escalate stressful situations.
• Time Management: Efficient handling of multiple simultaneous calls while maintaining high‑quality documentation.
• Teamwork: Collaborative mindset—working seamlessly with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and administrative staff across geographic locations.
• Adaptability: Openness to evolving protocols, new technology upgrades, and changing patient needs.

Career Growth & Learning Benefits

Northwestern Medicine is committed to investing in your professional journey. As a remote triage RN, you will enjoy:

• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 annually (pro‑rated for part‑time staff) to support advanced degrees or specialty certifications.
• Student Loan Repayment: Up to $6,000 annually (pro‑rated) to help reduce financial burden.
• Professional Development Stipend: $1,000 per year (pro‑rated) for conferences, workshops, or continuing education courses.
• Wellbeing Fund: $250 annually (pro‑rated) to promote work‑life balance, mental health, or fitness activities.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with seasoned clinical leaders to accelerate skill acquisition and leadership development.
• Clear Promotion Pathways: Opportunities to transition into roles such as Clinical Educator, Telehealth Nurse Manager, or Quality Improvement Analyst.

Work Environment & Culture

Our remote nursing team operates within a supportive, inclusive, and technology‑driven ecosystem. Although you will be working from home, you remain an integral part of the larger Northwestern Medicine family. Highlights include:

• Virtual Community: Regular video huddles, peer‑to‑peer learning circles, and digital social events to foster connection.
• Safety First: Robust infection‑control policies, secure data handling, and a commitment to mental‑health resources.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A culture that respects and celebrates varied perspectives, ensuring every voice is heard.
• Flexible Scheduling: Rotating day, evening, and weekend shifts designed to accommodate personal commitments.
• Technology Enablement: Access to state‑of‑the‑art telehealth platforms, clinical decision support tools, and ongoing IT support.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

We recognize and reward the expertise you bring to our organization. Compensation for this role starts at $30.50 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to the financial package, you will receive:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
• Annual merit‑based salary increases and performance incentives.
• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Discounted wellness programs, including gym memberships and mindfulness apps.

Application Process & Next Steps

We have streamlined our hiring process to prioritize safety and efficiency. Candidates will participate in virtual phone or video interviews, followed by a brief skills assessment. Our recruitment team is ready to guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience.

Join Our Mission‑Driven Team

If you are a compassionate, tech‑savvy RN who thrives in a fast‑paced, patient‑focused environment, we invite you to apply today. Become a key contributor to Northwestern Medicine’s mission of delivering exceptional, accessible care—no matter where you call from.

Ready to Apply?

Click the link below to submit your application, upload your resume, and begin your journey with a health system that values your expertise and well‑being.

Apply to This Remote Triage RN Position

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative‑action, equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process—please contact our HR team for assistance.