Emergency Room (ER) Nurse Job Description

Review this Emergency Room (ER) Nurse job description for a reference when building your resume. Review the qualifications and requirements listed to get an understanding of what you need to include on your resume for what employers would look for in this field.

SUMMARY:

An Emergency Room (ER) Nurse, also known as an Emergency Department (ED) Nurse, is a highly skilled and trained professional responsible for providing immediate and specialized care to patients in emergency situations. ER Nurses work in fast-paced environments, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver timely and effective healthcare.

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FUNCTIONAL DUTIES:

1. Emergency Patient Care:
   • Assess and triage patients quickly to determine the severity of their condition.
   • Administer immediate and appropriate medical interventions based on patient needs.
2. Critical Thinking and Decision-Making:
   • Analyze complex medical situations and make rapid decisions to initiate appropriate interventions.
   • Prioritize patient care based on the urgency and severity of conditions.
3. Trauma Care:
   • Provide trauma care for patients involved in accidents, injuries, or other critical incidents.
   • Collaborate with trauma teams and specialists to stabilize and treat patients.
4. Diagnostic Procedures:
   • Perform or assist in diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to, blood draws, IV placements, and imaging studies.
   • Monitor and interpret diagnostic results to guide treatment.
5. Medication Administration:
   • Administer medications as prescribed, including emergency medications, and monitor patient response.
   • Manage and titrate medications to achieve therapeutic goals.
6. Patient Advocacy:
   • Advocate for patients’ needs and preferences during their stay in the emergency department.
   • Communicate effectively with patients and families, providing emotional support and education.
7. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:
   • Work closely with physicians, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
   • Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and case conferences.
8. Emergency Procedures:
   • Perform and assist in emergency procedures, including intubation, defibrillation, and wound care.
   • Follow established protocols for resuscitation and life-saving measures.
9. Documentation:
   • Maintain accurate and thorough medical records, documenting assessments, interventions, and patient responses.
   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory documentation requirements.
10. Continuous Education:
    • Stay current with advancements in emergency nursing practices and procedures.
    • Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) accepted.
• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Certification in Emergency Nursing (CEN) is desirable.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical stamina and endurance to handle the demands of emergency care.

Note: ER Nurse job descriptions may vary based on the specific requirements of the healthcare facility and the level of trauma care provided.

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