RN PRN

Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Demonstrates expertise in the application of the nursing process: Age Specific Competency: Staff members will have knowledge of human growth and development though the life span of the patient and have the ability to meet the needs of and provide care of these patients. The age categories to be included are: Neonatal/Infant 0 - 11 months; Pediatrics 1 - 12 years; Adolescence 13-17 years; Young Adult/Adult 18-64 years; Adult/Middle Aged 65-79 years; Geriatric 80+ years. Assures the family and significant others are involved in the application of the nursing process.

Triage and initiate accurate and ongoing assessments of physical and psychosocial problems of patients within the emergency care system as evidenced by written documentation: Performs and documents an in-depth nursing history to include, but not limit, chief complaint, health care status, allergies, meds, past medical history, treatment prior to arrival, and other pertinent information. This will be evaluated by random chart audit.

Performs nursing actions and interventions according to recognized patient care needs, an established plan and in accordance with policy and procedure. Performs nursing care according to the medical provider's orders and nursing plan of care within the scope of hospital and nursing department policies and procedures. Facilitates continuity of care by assuring the needs of the patients are recognized and addressed throughout coordination with other health care team members. Evaluates and documents effectiveness of treatment in the medical record. Anticipates potential patient problems and performs nursing actions to minimize those problems in a timely manner to ensure safety. Communicates appropriate data to the physician, and provides documentation for same. Promotes patient's dignity and privacy during provision of care. Provides calm, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and their families. Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, being sensitive to patient and cultural diversities. Demonstrates knowledge and proper utilization of all information management systems. Implements planned teaching interventions as evidenced by documentation in the medical record. Demonstrates competency in performing nursing care actions and interventions as evidenced by completion of competency requirements and department skills checklist. Administers medications (including IV fluids) according to hospital policy and procedures and practices safety techniques (e.g. observes for side effects, appropriate rate of administration, aware of common drug interactions) as evidenced by compliance with medication error policy. Accepts responsibility for intervention in an emergency situation as evidenced by documentation of actions taken and peer evaluation. Is able to recognize and function appropriately under stress or in a crisis situation. Manages the care of the patient receiving IV conscious sedation.

Evaluate and modify the plan of care based on observable responses of a patient and attainment of patient outcomes as evidenced by documentation in the medical record. Evaluates and documents response to intervention to ensure completeness of patient care. Assesses the effectiveness of medications administered to patients. Re-prioritizes plan of care based on additional data, patient's response, or change in condition while trying to minimize delays in intervention. Evaluates patient and family preparedness for discharge.

Assures open and timely communication with emergency patients, their significant others, and team members to ensure the occurrence of effective therapeutic interventions. Communicates with Emergency Department physicians, other nurses, attending physicians, team members, and resource personnel concerning patient care status effectively and in a timely manner to maintain optimal patient flow within the department. Understands and utilizes channels of communications according to hospital policy. Directs question/problems to the appropriate individual. Acts as a liaison to the patient and family by providing accurate and timely information to assist patient and family participation in Emergency Center care. Gives report on patients admitted to the hospital or being transferred to another facility from the Emergency Center to other health care members with accurate information, including patient care given and patient condition, to maintain continuity of care and documents who report was given to. Positively represents the hospital in all interactions with the public. Gives an accurate patient report to oncoming shift members to maintain continuity of care and documents who report was given to. Communicates with paramedics during radio contact accurately and proficiently.

Maintains an environment which promotes safety for both the hospital associate and the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of the patients who are at high risk for falls or injury. Maintains a physical environment clean and free of clutter. Takes appropriate action to correct recognized safety hazards or reports to immediate supervisor in a timely manner. Always utilizes patient ID bracelet system.

Adhere to standards of practice within the department, recognizing learning needs to maximize level of knowledge and expertise. Develops new knowledge and skills in the use of equipment and new procedures as evidenced by competency checklist completion and personal record of continuing education. Demonstrates willingness and ability to assist other staff with work load in a positive manner. Displays a willingness to adjust own schedule to meet crisis situation.

Demonstrate management and leadership skills in professional role. Assist in orientation of new personnel, teaches new procedures, methods, and techniques to staff. Delegates responsibilities based on knowledge of individual capabilities of staff members and patient needs as evidenced by review of patient assignments. Functions independently, works well with little supervision. Contributes to management and control of unit resources in a cost effective manner.