Registered Nurse, Emergency Room - Per Diem

Overview

Under the supervision of the Emergency Department Manager, the Emergency Room Registered Nurse triages patients in the Emergency Department, coordinates a timely medical screening exam by an Emergency Medical Provider, and renders medical care as ordered. The nurse assesses, diagnoses, treats and evaluates perceived, actual or potential urgent physical or psychosocial problems, caring for people of all ages with undiagnosed, diagnosed and misdiagnosed conditions.

The role may involve minimal care or advanced life support, patient education, appropriate referrals and knowledge of legal implications.

The nurse may assist in keeping the Emergency Department stocked, interview patients to obtain personal, statistical and financial information, and work with the Emergency Department Coordinator to develop and implement policies and procedures. The nurse maintains unit organization, cleanliness and contributes to efficient use of resources, while upholding confidentiality and acting as a hospital ambassador to patients, families, visitors and other organizations.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Emergency Department Coordinator or Director of Patient Care Services.

Qualifications, responsibilities and professional expectations are described in the sections below.

SPECIFICATIONS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Performs symptom analysis of chief complaint on all patients entering the Emergency Department, collecting subjective and objective data.
• Institutes and maintains the Emergency Department Record and Registry Log for all patients.
• Ensures that all patients are triaged upon arrival and an appropriate level of care is instituted from findings.
• Coordinates timely medical screening exam by Emergency Medical Provider.
• Differentiates severity of patient complaints and prioritizes care.
• Assigns patients to appropriate care areas based on triage findings to facilitate patient flow.
• Initiates treatment measures appropriately.
• Communicates triage/assessment findings clearly and promptly to the appropriate physician.
• Initiates diagnostics as ordered and communicates pertinent information to family when appropriate.
• Mobilizes additional personnel when needed.

• Plans actions to obtain quality patient care and effectively manages physical resources based on triage classification and ongoing assessment.
• Ensures supplies and equipment for emergency care are readily available.
• Implements safety procedures for each patient and plans for effective interdepartmental communication.
• Plans for the need of special equipment and supplies for specific procedures.

• Performs independent monitoring of patients.
• Independently performs lifesaving, limb-saving measures within the scope of nursing practice.
• Charts appropriately on the EMR and correctly documents on the EMAR when administering medications.
• Communicates changes in patient condition immediately to the appropriate care provider.

• Evaluates treatments and documents patient responses; notifies care provider of untoward responses.
• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures and follows guidelines for obtaining permission to treat minors or unconscious patients.
• Acts as a professional role model and safeguards patient privacy.
• Remains calm and performs duties during challenging or stressful situations.
• Participates in unit activities and problem solving within the department.

• Maintains required education records and keeps files current.
• Attends departmental meetings and participates in suggesting necessary procedural changes in a constructive manner.
• Maintains a well-stocked and clean department; performs equipment cleaning and replacement of supplies as needed.
• Participates in ongoing education and professional development.

• Reports for scheduled shifts on time and prepared to assume responsibilities; adheres to attire, attendance and overtime policies.
• Attends and contributes to meetings; communicates information from meetings.
• Provides professional and courteous service to patients, families, physicians and staff; maintains a cooperative atmosphere with other departments.
• Adheres to infection control procedures and safety standards; understands and follows environmental and safety codes and MSDS guidance.
• Complies with collective bargaining agreements as applicable; demonstrates adaptability to varied patient populations.
• Regularly participates in team discussions, communicates changes in patient condition, and supports effective delegation of responsibilities when working as part of a team.

Education: Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.

Experience: The Emergency Department employs registered nurses who meet the requirements of a staff nurse and hold special qualifications for emergency care.

Certification/Licensure: Current state nursing licensure. ACLS required on hire with biannual renewal, CPR annually, TNCC…