Role of the Psychiatric Triage Nurse in Eating Disorder Treatment

In this blog series, we are highlighting different vital roles within our care team, focusing on one team member’s daily responsibilities and their part in getting clients on the road to recovery.

Today, we’re turning our attention to Megan Villares. She’s an outpatient triage nurse in our psychiatry department, where her days are split between working closely with our medical providers and psychiatrists, and our clients in The Emily Program’s Intensive Day Treatment program.

Megan plays a vital role in client care. She’s a point of contact for them and is available to answer questions, address concerns or simply offer support. A typical day might include taking clients’ calls, renewing prescriptions, delivering and explaining test results, or giving instructions on how to take their medications.

“I had an eating disorder when I was in high school, and having experienced it myself, I feel it really helps me connect with the clients and understand what they’re going through,” she said. “It enables me to be more supportive.”

In addition, she’s also vital to the treatment team. She helps facilitate and implement the treatment plan the medical provider and psychiatrist have intended for the client.

So, Megan’s day may also consist of rooming clients, checking vital signs, taking blood or conducting EKGs and other tests, gathering information to answer a client’s question, or putting in prescriptions per a provider’s request.

“The Emily Program sets up a really healing, supportive plan for the client, and my role as a nurse is to be that support person between themselves and the provider,” Megan said. “It’s very rewarding to see clients go through our programs and recover. It’s awesome to be a part of the journey with them.”