Emergency Room Nurse
An Emergency Room Nurse provides urgent care to patients with varying levels of illnesses or injuries in a hospital's emergency department.
Top Articles for Emergency Room Nurse
Sample Job Descriptions for Emergency Room Nurse
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As an Emergency Room Nurse, you will provide fast-paced and critical nursing care to patients in an emergency department setting. Your role involves working under the supervision of senior nursing staff to deliver high-quality care to patients of all ages who are experiencing a wide range of medical emergencies.
Required Skills
- Clinical skills pertinent to emergency nursing care.
- Capability to make quick and accurate assessments of patients' conditions.
- Skills in inserting IV lines and administering medications safely.
- Proficient in the use of medical equipment commonly found in an emergency department.
- Aptitude for maintaining accurate and detailed records.
- Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with challenging situations.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license or eligible for licensure.
- CPR certification, with ACLS and PALS certifications preferred.
- Successful completion of an accredited nursing program.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods and the ability to lift and move patients if necessary.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the assessment and triage of patients presenting to the emergency department.
- Monitor vital signs and report any significant changes to the supervising nurse or physician.
- Provide compassionate care and support to patients and their families during their stay in the emergency department.
- Administer medications and perform treatments as ordered by physicians.
- Document all care provided and observations accurately in the patient health record.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive care plan for each patient.
- Assist with the stabilization of patients and preparation for transfer to other units or facilities if needed.
- Follow all hospital policies and procedures, including infection prevention and control protocols.
- Participate in emergency department huddles and handoff communications to ensure continuity of care.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An Emergency Room Nurse is a healthcare professional specialized in providing high-quality care to patients in an emergency department setting. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple patients with varying degrees of illness or injury, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver immediate and effective treatment.
Required Skills
- Exceptional assessment and triage skills.
- Proficiency in emergency medical procedures and protocols.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure.
- High level of compassion and empathy.
- Knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems.
- Physical stamina and the ability to perform in a demanding environment.
Qualifications
- Current registered nurse (RN) license.
- At least 2 years of clinical experience in an emergency department or acute care setting.
- Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
- Completion of an accredited nursing program.
- Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Strong clinical skills in emergency patient care.
Responsibilities
- Triage patients based on the urgency of their condition.
- Provide immediate medical care and life-saving interventions.
- Administer medications, perform procedures, and operate medical equipment.
- Document patient care and maintain accurate records.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
- Participate in continuous education to stay current with best practices in emergency nursing.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies and healthcare regulations.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a senior emergency room nurse, you will be expected to provide high-quality medical care to patients in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Your extensive experience will enable you to tackle complex cases, guide junior staff, and take on leadership roles in emergency care settings.
Required Skills
- Exceptional clinical skills in an emergency care environment.
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Highly organized with attention to detail.
- Proficient in the use of electronic healthcare records.
Qualifications
- Current registered nurse (RN) license.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience working in an emergency room or critical care setting.
- Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
- Possess a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential (preferred).
- Evidence of ongoing education and training in emergency nursing practices.
Responsibilities
- Triage patients and provide urgent care to stabilize their conditions.
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
- Perform advanced medical procedures such as administering medication, wound care, and life support.
- Supervise junior nurses and provide mentorship and training.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies and maintain records according to legal and best practice standards.
- Participate in emergency room process improvement initiatives.
- Act as a patient advocate to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and that their rights are respected.
- Prepare patients and their families for aftercare and discharge.
See other roles in Healthcare, Wellness, and Social Services and Healthcare
Want content like this in your inbox? Sign Up for our Newsletter
Sample Interview Questions
