Emergency Room Nurse

Primary Function

The Emergency Department (ED) serves as the critical hub of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, delivering high-acuity, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages. Excellence in clinical skill and critical thinking is expected, as the ED demands rapid decision-making and expert execution under pressure. Nurses are expected to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude, cultural sensitivity, and adherence to the hospital’s guiding principles. Each interaction reflects a commitment to treating patients and families with dignity, compassion, and the same level of care one would offer their own loved ones. The RN’s role directly impacts patient outcomes and supports the ED’s vital role as the core of the hospital’s mission.

Patient Care & Assessment

• Provides nursing care per established standards.
• Performs comprehensive, ongoing patient assessments using biological, psychological, social, and cultural data.
• Negotiates patient needs for health promotion, prevention, maintenance, and restoration.
• Develops and initiates individualized plans of care based on assessments and diagnoses.
• Establishes expected outcomes that are measurable and time-bound.

Planning & Implementation

• Plans for basic patient needs: nutrition, hygiene, activity, rest, oxygenation, comfort, coping.
• Implements nursing interventions aligned with care plans.
• Revises care plans based on patient response and changing needs.
• Provides health education and anticipatory guidance tailored to patient/family understanding.

Medication & Documentation

• Administers medications per protocol; documents per policy.
• Maintains vigilance for side effects, allergies, and reports medication errors.
• Documents assessments, interventions, outcomes, and communication accurately.

Leadership & Coordination

• Provides guidance and training to nursing staff.
• Learns and leads teams when assigned; delegates based on staff competency and patient needs.
• Collaborates with referral services to support, community, and tribal services.
• Promotes patient advocacy and maintains confidentiality.

Quality & Safety

• Maintains a safe, clean environment; follows universal precautions and OSHA standards.
• Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities.
• Ensures adequate supplies and proper equipment function.
• Serves on committees as appointed.

Professional Development

• Maintains current competency through education and training.
• Participates in nursing quality assurance and performance evaluations.