Emergency Department Nurse Manager

About the Role

The Emergency Department Nurse Manager is a Registered Nurse responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating clinical, administrative, and operational activities for the nursing/patient care unit and disaster/emergency preparedness. This role implements and interprets policies, procedures, standards, and regulations for nursing personnel, patients, medical staff, and the public while maintaining 24-hour accountability for all unit activities. The position applies ANA Standards of Nursing Administrative Practice and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant requirements.

Responsibilities

• Effectively plans, organizes, and evaluates work duties for self and unit staff to promote quality nursing and patient care activities.
• Develops unit goals annually in conjunction with unit staff and the unit Medical Director, supporting the department of nursing and the Medical Center’s philosophy, goals, and objectives.
• Works collaboratively with other organizational leaders in preparing for disasters/emergencies, with an emphasis on trauma, hazmat, or emergency surge preparedness.
• Plans and maintains staffing patterns within budgeting parameters, incorporating continuity of care, staff competency, and patient acuity.
• Evaluates and sets standards for patient care and unit equipment.
• Collaborates with support services to provide a safe, clean, and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Promotes intra- and interdepartmental communication.
• Maintains patient reference materials and ensures access to appropriate policies, procedures, standards, and care guidelines.
• Collaborates with the Nursing Director and Supervisors to facilitate high-quality patient care.
• Works with the Medical Staff to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.
• Utilizes staff in a manner reflecting professional, legal, and institutional constraints, as well as holistic patient care and time management principles.
• Evaluates patient care delivery through written documentation, observation, and comparison to established standards.
• Assists in providing nursing care to patients as needed to assess requirements or serve as a backup to Staff Nurses.
• Serves as a clinical resource and assists nursing personnel in assessing patient/family status to plan nursing care.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Knowledge of mathematical concepts and their application (fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions).
• Knowledge and ability to practice as defined by the California Nurse Practice Act, ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and ANA Code of Ethics in coordination with hospital policies.
• Knowledge of Nursing Sensitive Indicators and demonstrated understanding of age-specific group needs and behaviors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal and regulatory aspects of care, including legal documents pertinent to the unit/area of care (accountability).
• Competency in hospital information systems.
• Knowledge of Patient Rights.
• Knowledge of disaster preparedness requirements.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and regulations specific to Emergency Management.
• Knowledge of HPP grant initiatives and requirements.

Skills

• Skilled in transferring concepts into practical applications.
• Skilled in reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific and technical journals, as well as understanding regulatory requirements.
• Proficient in the nursing process and effective decision-making for establishing care plans.
• Time management skills for providing excellent patient care.
• Skilled in the safe and effective use of all equipment necessary for patient care.
• Skilled in current nursing practices and procedures, including developing care plans that support positive outcomes.
• Skills in budget preparation and control.
• Skills in personnel management through coordination and cooperation.
• Excellent problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prepare complete, clear reports and recommendations after analyzing relevant and reliable information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing (required).
• BSN or completion of BSN within 2 years of hire (required).
• MSN (preferred).

Experience

• At least 5 years of acute care experience.
• Progressive leadership experience, which may include experience as a charge nurse.

Licensure and Certifications

• Current California Registered Nursing license.
• BCLS, ACLS, and PALS (required).
• Unit-specific specialty certification (preferred).
• FEMA course certifications: IS.100, IS.200, IS.700, IS.800 (within 90 days of hire).
• Hazard Material Management course (within twelve months of hire).

Values

• Patients Come First – Active listening and communication with patients and families, prioritizing safety.
• Accountability & Ownership – Completing tasks fully, being transparent, communicating effectively, and recognizing personal impact.
• Teamwork – Building trusting relationships, promoting community, and respecting everyone. Success is collective.
• Integrity & Honesty – Truthfulness, speaking up when something is wrong, and doing the right thing even when unobserved.
• Excellence – Pride in work, goal-oriented mindset, and a commitment to top-tier quality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Can-do attitude, creativity, resourcefulness, problem-solving, timely decision-making, and adding value.
• Tenderness & Compassion – Genuine empathy, kindness, encouragement, and advocacy for others.