RN Clinical Resource Lead (Emergency Room)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Ed/Med Surg and the Chief Nursing Officer, the RN Clinical Resource Leader provides clinical leadership and operational support within the Emergency Room Department. This position coordinates patient care activities, supports nursing staff during assigned shifts, and helps ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, high-quality care. The RN Clinical Resource Leader serves as a clinical resource, mentor, educator, and role model for nursing personnel while providing direct patient care as needed. The role includes coordinating staff activities, supporting nursing operations, assisting with staff education, delegating appropriately, and applying sound clinical judgment to patient care and operational concerns. This position works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, medical staff, ancillary departments, outside agencies, and interdisciplinary team members to promote continuity of care, regulatory compliance, effective communication, and patient satisfaction. The RN Clinical Resource Leader supports organizational and departmental standards by following established policies, procedures, practices, and quality expectations. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, local, CMS, The Joint Commission, EMTALA, 1013 emergency behavioral health hold requirements, organizational, and departmental requirements. This role requires professionalism, confidentiality, self-motivation, strong assessment skills, creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to function semi-independently in a fast-paced emergency care environment.

Standards of Performance

Clinical Coordination and Patient Care

• Coordinates the functions and activities of nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care during assigned shifts.
• Accepts patient care assignments as needed and supports the delivery of safe, timely, and effective care in the Emergency Room Department.
• Coordinates care with physicians, laboratory, cardiopulmonary, therapy, social work, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Monitors patient status, identifies changes or concerns, communicates with providers, and reviews medical records to assess progress or areas requiring follow-up.
• Identifies issues that may place patients at risk for complications, readmissions, or delays in care.
• Facilitates the admissions process, including timely transition from the Emergency Room to a Med/Surg bed within 30 minutes of provider order entry unless otherwise indicated.

Leadership, Staffing, and Staff Development

• Leadership and Operational Support: Serves as an initial chain-of-command resource for the Emergency Room and provides coverage support in the absence of the Director of Nursing Clinical Leader. Collaborates with departmental leadership to support daily operations, meet new expectations, advance departmental initiatives, and ensure effective patient care delivery.
• Staffing and Coverage: Monitors staffing levels and assists with ensuring adequate coverage to support safe, efficient, and quality patient care.
• Orientation, Education, and Competency: Provides mentorship, supports in-the-moment education, coordinates the seven-day departmental orientation process, and supports educational opportunities related to competencies, unit needs, new procedures, practice changes, new equipment, and updated processes.
• Performance Evaluation and Staff Development: Conduct performance evaluation reviews, competency validation, coaching, follow-up activities, and staff development to support accountability, professional growth, and continued readiness.
• Recruitment and Employee Relations Support: Provides recommendations related to interviewing, selecting, training, evaluating, coaching, and developing staff. Supports appropriate follow-up related to training needs, conflict resolution, policy compliance, competencies, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes.
• Mandatory Training and In-Services: Ensures staff participation in required training, in-services, and other mandatory education when applicable.

Compliance, Documentation, and Safety

• Ensures nursing care is provided in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, established nursing standards of care and practice, and State of Georgia requirements.
• Supports compliance with required documentation, including restraints, stroke care, triage, transfers, and other applicable Emergency Room documentation requirements.
• Studies and supports Joint Commission standards applicable to the department, ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Promotes adherence to infection control, OSHA, safety, and internal monitoring requirements within the Emergency Room Department.
• Supports internal control and monitoring processes to help ensure and enforce compliance.

Patient Experience and Communication

• Build supportive relationships with patients and families and provide emotional support during illness, emergencies, or stressful situations.
• Meets with patients and families to assess needs, address concerns, and help resolve issues or complaints.
• Promotes excellent customer service and works with the DON Clinical Lead, Compliance Officer, and Risk Management to address complaints and concerns as appropriate.
• Serves as a staff resource and models commitment to the organization’s vision, mission, and values in support of excellent patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Rounding, Communication, and Daily Operations

• Conducts daily patient rounding and monthly staff rounding, and leads shift huddles to review the patient census, operational concerns, and potential issues.
• Supports effective communication among staff, providers, and interdisciplinary team members to promote continuity of care and efficient patient flow.
• Fosters a positive Emergency Room work environment that promotes teamwork, calm communication, and low noise levels.

Quality Improvement and Additional Duties

• Actively participates in quality improvement and risk management activities at the unit level.
• Participates in assigned committees and supports the Hospital and Nursing Unit quality improvement goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Level of Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of an approved Registered Nurse training program is required. 

Formal Training: Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate Emergency Room operations as part of a multidisciplinary team. Must be able to work effectively in a complex clinical environment and interpret, analyze, and present complex information clearly and accurately.

• Delegates responsibilities appropriately, with the necessary authority, while maintaining overall accountability for assigned tasks.
• Identifies concerns in a timely manner, develops and implements effective solutions, evaluates outcomes, and adjusts plans as needed.
• Demonstrates effective leadership by working collaboratively with clinical staff, delegating according to individual skill levels, and modeling appropriate professional behavior.
• Maintains strong organizational and time management skills.

Licensure, Certification, Registration: Current, unencumbered Georgia Registered Nurse license required. BLS, PALS, and ACLS certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire. TNCC, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and NIH Stroke Scale certification are strongly preferred within six months of hire.

Work Experience: At least three years of nursing experience required. Prior leadership experience preferred. Critical care experience and recent experience caring for cardiac and stroke patients are desirable.

Computer Skills: Proficient computer skills required, including effective use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be able to navigate and document accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR), review patient information, enter required documentation, and use electronic systems to support safe and efficient patient care.