Job Title: Emergency Department Registered Nurse Profession: Registered Nurse Specialty: Emergency Duration: 18 weeks Shift: Days or Nights, 36 hours per week Hours per Shift: 12 hours Experience: - One year of acute hospital experience as a registered professional nurse License: - Current State RN Licensure Certifications: - BLS - ACLS - PALS - Stroke Certification (AHA or RQI only) Must-Have: - Two years of experience in the Emergency Department Description: The Emergency Department Registered Nurse applies knowledge of nursing theory, technical, and communication skills in delivering high quality compassionate care to patients and families. The ED RN assesses patient needs, identifies the urgent or emergent care priority, and collaboratively provides direct care, applies appropriate interventions, and evaluates patient progress. The ED RN demonstrates skill in the use of various invasive and non-invasive procedures, treatments, and therapeutic interventions appropriate to manage life-threatening and routine emergency situations. The ED RN utilizes principles of relationship-based care to alleviate anxiety, provide information, and address pain, discomfort, and safety. He/She assesses the physiological, psychosocial, emotional, and cultural needs of patients of all age groups, their families, and support systems as appropriate. The ED RN connects with patients and families during triage, identifies the initial management of patients of all age groups, and assigns priority of care in accordance with Triage Standards. They establish rapport with patients and families, address comfort needs, listen carefully, assess nonverbal communication, and provide frequent updates. The ED RN conducts primary assessments of critical needs, detects and documents any major deviation from the norm for all age groups, and correctly identifies necessary interventions. They use direct observation, patient/family interviews, EMS reports, and data to conduct secondary assessments. The ED RN identifies contributing factors, health history, events, or activities preceding the emergent health event. They assess the psychosocial needs of each individual, and document and report any suspicion of domestic violence or abuse in all age groups. The ED RN reassesses the patient to identify responses to treatment and/or changes in condition and responds appropriately. They encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members to achieve the best possible patient outcome. The ED RN teaches others as appropriate and delegates tasks and interventions consistent with the individual’s education, training, and scope of practice. They understand their personal responsibility to safeguard public safety through compliance with infection prevention strategies. The ED RN prepares patients, parents, or families for diagnostic procedures and treatments and makes appropriate referrals for post-emergency care. They teach patients what is needed to continue care or healing at home. The ED RN assesses patient/family learning styles and structures sessions to maximize understanding. They ask questions to evaluate retention of key points in education and discharge instructions. The ED RN seeks to understand what is most important to the patient and family, acknowledging that they are the central focus of all care and services. They embrace the importance of creating a healing environment as a key element of professional nursing practice. The ED RN keeps patients and significant others informed of the process of care, anticipates patient/family needs, and maintains awareness of the patient's condition throughout the ED visit. They update patient communication boards throughout the ED stay.
