Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Summary

The competent Nurse, in the same or similar clinical setting, practices independently and demonstrates an awareness of all relevant aspects of a situation. Provides routine and complex care, with the ability to plan long‑range goals or plans. Continues to develop the ability to cope with and manage contingencies of clinical nursing. Makes appropriate assignments and delegates to other care providers as a means to help manage the clinical situation.

The Emergency Department of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg is a 12‑bed unit organized and designed for the immediate treatment of emergency medical and/or surgical conditions. It is staffed 24 hours per day with a medical provider and an 9‑hour per day Advanced Practitioner. The department is a Level IV Trauma Center recognized by the Texas Department of Health. The department initiates lifesaving procedures in all types of emergency situations and provides care for other conditions, including chronic medical problems and minor injuries and illnesses.

After emergency measures are implemented, the patient may be transferred within the hospital, to another institution, or discharged home. Our average daily census is 60. The most frequent medical diagnoses seen include myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary conditions, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, pancreatitis, URI, and urosepsis. The most frequent surgical conditions include appendicitis, fractured hip, and spontaneous abortion.

The ER staff works closely with the community by providing education on disease processes and safety measures. We also volunteer our time and service to help out our local naval base during events such as “Wings over Texas” and our surrounding areas with events such as “Beach to Bay.” Our team has been recognized for exceeding the goal of treating an MI or stroke patient.

We have made changes to the overall flow in the ER to improve door‑to‑doctor times and overall patient experience. We have earned the Silver Award from the American Heart Association for our Stroke Care.

• Meet expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS
  
  Competencies:
  
  Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Consistent with the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, provide nursing care utilizing the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation for assigned patients.
• Address increasingly complex psychological, emotional, cultural, and social needs of patients and families in accordance with their level of practice.
• Using the appropriate protocol, administer medications and treatments; monitor for side‑effects and effectiveness of the treatment prescribed.
• Document patient history, symptoms, medication, and care given.
• Assess learning needs and provide education to patients, family members and/or caregivers; identify issues and resources.

Education/Skills

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, preferred

Experience

• 1 year of experience in the related nursing specialty preferred

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• BLS required
• RN License in state of employment or compact

Education/Skills

• All newly hired experienced RNs must attend New Nurses Orientation within the first 30 days of hire.
• New hires are precepted by a designated trained staff member and initial on‑boarding requirements are validated through successful completion of the designated organizational entry competency validation and an Emergency Department‑specific competency validation.
• All newly licensed RNs may participate in a residency program or other specific orientation. Skills completion and competency completion will be achieved with the preceptor at the bedside and documented through the program’s tracking software.
• Completion of all annual competency verification requirements.

Experience

• One year of experience in a related nursing specialty preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Current ACLS certification required
• Current PALS certification required
• Current TNCC certification required

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification…