RN Emergency Department

Job Description

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Critical Care RN:
• Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies.
• Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems.
• Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
• Emergency Services RN:
• Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.
• Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.
• Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
• OR Services RN:
• Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.
• Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.
• Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.
• Cardiac Surgery RN:
• Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.
• Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition.
• Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.
• After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
• Endoscopy RN:
• Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.
• Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure.
• Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions.
• Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.
• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:
• Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery.
• Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.
• Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.
• Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery.
• Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
• Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.
• Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
• Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
• Oncology RN:
• Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain.
• Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources.
• Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
• Orthopedics RN:
• Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases.
• Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care.
• Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.
• Treats patients with immobilization devices.
• Provides pain management.
• Provides patient education.
• PACU RN:
• Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
• Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
• Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
• Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
• Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
• Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
• Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
• Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
• Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• NICU RN:
• Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.
• Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.
• Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
• Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.
• Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.
• Telemetry RN:
• Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.

Community Health Systems