Registered Nurse -ER Triage .3 FTE (DAY) 1day a week

Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse

Under the supervision of the Emergency Department Manager, the primary function of the Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse is to triage patients that present to the Emergency Department, coordinate a timely medical screening exam by Emergency Medical Provider and render medical care as ordered by the Emergency Medical Provider. The Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse position will involve the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of perceived, actual or potential, sudden or urgent, physical or psychosocial problems that are primarily episodic in nature and that occur in a variety of settings. These may require minimal care or advanced life support measures, patient and significant other education, appropriate referral and knowledge of legal implications. The Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse will care for people of all ages with undiagnosed, diagnosed and misdiagnosed problems of varying complexity.

The Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse secondary functions will include assisting in keeping the Emergency Department stocked, interviewing patients (or representative) to obtain personal, statistical and financial information and to work with the Emergency Department Manager to develop, implement policies and procedures. The Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse is also responsible for maintaining unit organization, cleanliness and contributing to the efficient use of available resources.

The Triage Emergency Room Registered Nurse has frequent contact with the public and handles sensitive information regarding the patient and hospital business and must maintain confidentiality of that information. He/she must act as an ambassador of public relations for the hospital and the community including patients, families, visitors and other organizations.

Other responsibilities may be assigned or delegated by the Emergency Department Coordinator or Director of Patient Care Services.

Specifications

Performs symptoms analysis of chief complaint on all patients entering the Emergency Department collecting subjective and objective data.

Institutes and maintains Emergency Department Record and Registry Log on all patients entering the department.

Ensures that all patients are triaged upon arrival and appropriate level of care instituted from findings.

Coordinates timely medical screening exam by Emergency Medical Provider.

Able to differentiate severity of patient complaint and prioritize care.

Assigns patient to appropriate care area based on triage findings which facilitates patient flow through the Emergency Department.

Initiates treatment measures appropriately.

Communicates triage/assessment findings clearly, concisely and in a timely manner to appropriate MD.

Initiates diagnostics as ordered.

Communicates pertinent information to family or significant other when appropriate.

Mobilizes additional personnel when appropriate.

Planning

Worked performed to predetermine the course of action to obtain quality patient care.

Effectively manages use of physical resources based on triage classification and continuing patient assessment.

Ensures that supplies and equipment necessary for emergency care are readily available at all times.

Implements safety procedures for each patient in accordance with that patient's specific needs.

Plans for effective interdepartmental communications.

Plans for need of special equipment and supplies needed for specific procedures.

Intervention

Performs independent monitoring of patients.

Independently performs lifesaving, limb saving measures within the scope of professional nursing practice.

Charts appropriately on the EMR.

Appropriately scans patients and medications when administering medications, and Documents accordingly on the EMAR.

Communicates changes in patient's condition immediately to appropriate care provider.

Professional Accountability

Evaluates treatments given and documents response of patient.

Notifies care provider of untoward responses to treatments given.

Adheres to departmental hospital policies and procedures.

Follows guidelines for obtaining permission to treat for minors or unconscious persons.

The Emergency Room nurse exercises authority consistent with the role and responsibility in accordance with the nursing practice act.

The Emergency Department nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions.

Serves as a professional role model.

Safeguards patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting confidential information.

Emergency Department nurse is able to remain calm and perform necessary duties during challenging and stressful situations.

Participates in unit activities.

Participates in departmental and intradepartmental problem solving.

Continuing Education

Record on file in HR. Each individual is responsible for keeping file current and updated on needed Education and CEU's.

Attendance may be required at departmental staff meetings to formulate needed changes in procedures and work schedules. Make suggestions, constructive criticism and personal requests in a non-abrasive manner.

Read and initial memos and administrative directives as posted.

Maintain a well-stocked and clean department by cleaning equipment and replacing supplies before leaving the unit.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Education: Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.

Experience: The Emergency Department will employ only registered nurses who meet the requirements of a staff nurse at Mid-Valley Hospital plus the special qualifications necessary to render quality emergency care. She/he must demonstrate professional behavior.

Required Certification/Licensure/Registration: Current state nursing licensure. ACLS is required upon hire with biannual renewal, CPR annually, TNCC at 4 years and PALS trained.

Other Qualifications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively: delegate and coordinate through leadership skills. She/he must demonstrate professional behavior. She/he must participate in continuing education and demonstrate motivation for continued self-improvement. Ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and educational levels; i.e. patients, families, employees, physicians, etc.

Career Path: ER/Trauma Coordinator

Personal Protective Equipment: Standard precautions.

Physical Requirements

May be required to work any shift in emergencies.

May be required to work any day of the week.

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions

Works in the Emergency Department which encompasses a variety of kinds of patients (i.e., pediatric, psychiatric, geriatric, orthopedic, medical, surgical, detox and cardiac patients). Occasional stress during emergency situations. Majority of work is performed indoors. High risk for biohazards.

This person spends 95% of their time in temperature controlled space. The potential for exposure to bio-hazardous agents or exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potential infectious agents is high. This position requires contact with patients and staff under a wide variety of circumstances. This person is subject to varying and unpredictable situations, many interruptions, long irregular hours, multiple calls and inquiries.

Wage and Compensation

Wage range $ 40.70 hr. - $ 73.71 hr. DOE

Mid-Valley Hospital offers a benefit package. This includes accrued vacation time in the amount of.076923 vacation hours per hour worked. Accrued sick leave at an accrual of.04615 per hour, Life insurance and a profit-sharing plan. We also offer medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees can enroll in a 403(b) deferred compensation plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan.