How to Triage Like a Pro and Prioritize Patients Under Pressure

Ever wondered how ER nurses decide who gets seen first? 👩‍⚕️💉 In this episode of Club Nurse, Colton Lord breaks down how to triage like a pro using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) — from levels 1–5 — and explains how to prioritize patients under pressure. Whether you’re a new grad nurse, an experienced ER nurse, or just curious about how emergency departments actually work, you’ll learn how to: Understand the ESI triage system and what each level means 🏥 Use your clinical judgment to make confident, fast decisions Recognize when to up-triage a patient for safety Trust your gut instincts as a nurse Apply triage thinking beyond the ER — in ICU, med-surg, and even daily life This episode is packed with real-life examples, clinical tips, and insight into how nurses manage the chaos of the emergency room with skill and compassion. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to triage like a pro: https://nurse.org/news/triage-esi-eme... 👉 Subscribe to Club Nurse for more real stories, nurse life convos, and professional growth content.