JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Department

REPORTS TO: Emergency Department Director

JOB SUMMARY

Provide rapid assessment and treatment to patients in the initial phase of illness or trauma and often in life-threatening situations. Participate in the daily operation of the department. Attend required in-service, yearly education day, and mandatory department meetings. Assist in the collection of data for PI. Maintain good relationships with other staff, ancillary departments, managers, directors, and physicians.

The most important responsibility for an emergency nurse is understanding triage, which is a method of prioritizing injuries based on medical need. Nurse must have the ability to make quick and accurate assessments about incoming patients, including both physical and mental health conditions. Time management is crucial in this position.

Along with triage assessing ESI level, RN must quickly ascertain the following information from incoming patients: Identify medical problem; Document medical history; Check for any allergies and review current medications; Obtain height, weight, body temperature, heart rate, SPO2, pain score and blood pressure.

Other responsibilities include moving patients, taking blood samples, cleaning and bandaging wounds, administering medications and maintaining proper supplies of medical equipment. As with other health care professionals, the emergency nurse is expected to comply with the protocols, procedures and safety policies of West Park Hospital. The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Will possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs. Is able to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/areas/department's policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Current Wyoming Registered Nurse License

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of one (two to three preferred) emergency nursing experience or three-four years of clinical nursing in a medical or surgical unit or a combined medical/surgical unit. Experience in pediatrics, obstetrics and surgery desirable.

SKILLS

Effective communication skills. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusions. Good knowledge of emergency nursing and strong ability in performance of nursing procedures.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS, ACLS, PALS and TNCC is required once orientation is complete.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct patient care, evaluate outcomes and adjust the nursing care process as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.
• Able to perform a focus and head to toe assessment and reassessment. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric and the general patient population.
• Able to monitor the hemodynamic status of the patient and correctly interpret results.
• Knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies arrhythmia, and intervenes using ACLS, PALS, TNCC algorithms and physician orders.
• Prepare patient for examination or procedure and assist the physician.
• Maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation including patient history, condition, vital signs, treatment, response to intervention and change of status.
• Treat patient and their family with respect and dignity. Function as a liaison for the patient between the physician and other health care providers.
• Teach the patient based on identified learning needs; evaluate the effectiveness of the patients learning. Include the family in the teaching as appropriate. Review discharge instructions with the patient or responsible party.
• Accurately triage patients. Explain delays and waiting time. Round in reception area.
• Maintain current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age and patient clinical condition. Calculate, prepare, hang, monitor and discontinue IV fluids and medication drips.
• Complete nursing charges.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Arrange for patient transfer to other departments and facilities, complete required documentation.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures, objectives, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participate in monthly outdating of medications and supplies. Complete daily essential items check list, order and stock supplies according to par level.
• Behave in a professional manner, and maintain good interpersonal relationships with other staff, departments, manager and physicians.
• Assist the physician with suturing, thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, central line placement, arterial line, intubation, transvenous pacemaker, paracentesis, lumbar puncture, OCL splint application.
• Assist with the orientation of new employees to the department. Supervise Patient Care Tech or Unit Clerk.
• Supervise and provide nursing students, EMT students, and high school med-tech students the opportunities to observe and learn.
• Triage and document telephone requests for advice and treatment according to the department standard.
• Attend mandatory in-service, yearly education day and department meetings. Enhance professional growth by attending educational offerings pertaining to Emergency Nursing.
• Participate in discharge phone follow up.
• Draw legal blood alcohol. Preserve evidence in assault/abuse/rape cases and complete documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.