Registered Nurse RN - Emergency Room

About the Role

The RN functions primarily in direct patient care, demonstrating “competent” clinical practice. This position triages patients, obtains patient history and vital signs, and assesses patients. Acts independently to initiate immediate care in the absence of a physician in life-threatening situations. Provides care for the acutely ill as well as the non-acute patient. Performs multiple procedures utilizing both complex and simple nursing skills and assists the physician with their procedures. Provides comfort, both physical and psychological, to the patient, their family, and visitors. Provides discharge and follow-up instructions to the patient and family. Answers the ambulance radios and, without assistance, gives appropriate orders for pre-hospital care. Works with multiple types of sophisticated equipment and handles various types of patients in a frequently stressful environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs nursing assessments, intervenes appropriately and promptly, and participates in care planning (25%).
• Regularly assesses patient’s/client’s needs and provides skilled nursing services as prescribed by the physician-authorized plan of care and accepted standards of nursing practice (25%).
• Processes physician/provider orders accurately, completely, and in a timely manner, and follows up regarding medication changes and order clarifications (20%).
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment plan and makes suggestions or facilitates changes to improve patient care (15%).
• Actively participates in updating/revising the treatment plan in collaboration with other team members, utilizing current information (15%).
• Uses physical assessment techniques (auscultation, percussion, palpation, observation) to identify patients' physical problems and their care needs.
• Recognizes self-limitations and seeks appropriate resources.
• Possesses clinical competence in airway management, cardiac monitoring, IV therapy, blood gas analysis, venipuncture, and physical assessment.
• Reassesses patient health status and identifies significant changes in conditions.
• Individualizes the plan of care and coordinates the prescribed plans with orders on the healthcare team.
• Communicates pertinent aspects of care to the patient, family, or other healthcare workers.
• Initiates home health referrals when appropriate.
• Sets priorities and implements nursing measures that correlate with the identified plan and standard of care.
• Recognizes changes in patient’s condition and takes action to manage, reduce, or eliminate symptoms and promote comfort.
• Demonstrates respect for patient’s dignity and privacy.
• Documents nursing intervention and patient response.
• Maintains a safe patient environment and takes actions to prevent risk situations.
• Provides patient/family education—explains procedures, utilizes available educational materials, and documents instructions given.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills with customers and assists peers in patient care activities.
• Recognizes stress in others and uses positive coping techniques.
• Sets goals and prioritizes Emergency Department care to patients according to acuity.
• Is accountable for following medical center policy and procedures and work attendance.
• Participates in continuing education programs, medical center modules, ED in-services, and ED Skills Day.
• Demonstrates competency in Microsoft® Windows and may be required to participate in further learning opportunities.
• Active participation in Relationship-Based Care.

Requirements

• Credential: RN (Registered Nurse) – Essential.
• Credential: BLS (Basic Life Support) – Within 3 months of hire or transfer (AHA) – Essential.
• Credential: ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – Within 12 months of hire or transfer – Essential.
• Credential: TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course) or ATCN – Within 12 months of hire or transfer – Essential.
• Credential: PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – Within 12 months of hire or transfer – Essential.
• Credential: ENPC (Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course) – Within 12 months of hire or transfer – Essential.
• Credential: TEAM ADVANCED (Techniques for Effective Aggression Management) – Within 6 months of hire or transfer (Employees in this position on or before 12/31/2023 have 24 months to complete) – Essential.
• Credential: NIMS IS 100 (Introduction to Incident Command System) – Within 6 months of hire or transfer – Essential.
• Credential: NIMS IS 700 (Introduction to National Incident Management System) – Within 6 months of hire or transfer – Essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing – Essential.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing – Preferred.
• Knowledge of nursing skills as normally acquired through 2 years of experience working in a medical center or similar setting.
• Weekend RN positions require a minimum of two years of experience.
• Completion of ESI triage class before being assigned as a triage nurse, when appropriate.
• Telemetry Class as assigned.
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) preferred; recommended to obtain within the first 1.5 years of hire or transfer if not already certified.
• CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) preferred; recommended to obtain if not already certified.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or appropriate substitutes.
• Able to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device.
• Overall vision and hearing necessary, with or without assisted devices.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, or walk for long periods.
• May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials; must follow MyMichigan Health protocols for testing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay awake.
• Dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling; may require repetition of these movements.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 20 lbs., and constantly (67-100% of the workday) 10 lbs.