Registered Nurse RN- Emergency Department

Registered Nurse (RN)

The Registered Nurse (RN) functions primarily in direct patient care, and demonstrates competent clinical practice. This position triages patients, obtains patient history and vital signs and assesses patients. Acts independently to initiate immediate care in the absence of a physician in life threatening situations. Provides care for the acutely ill as well as the non-acute patient. Performs multiple procedures utilizing both complex and simple nursing skills and assists the physician with their procedures. Provides comfort, both physical and psychological, to the patient, their family and visitors. Provides discharge and follow-up instructions to the patient and family. Answers the ambulance radios and, without assistance, gives appropriate orders for pre-hospital care. Works with multiple types of sophisticated equipment and handles various types of patients in a frequently stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Performs nursing assessments, intervenes appropriately and promptly, and participates in care planning.
Regularly assesses patients/clients needs and provides skilled nursing services as prescribed by the physician authorized plan of care, and accepted standards of nursing practice.
Processes physician/provider orders accurately, completely, and in a timely manner, and does follow up regarding medication changes and order clarifications.
Evaluates effectiveness of treatment plan and makes suggestions or facilitates changes in plan to improve patient care.
Actively participates in updating/ revising the treatment plan in collaboration with other team members, utilizing current information.

Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Uses physical assessment techniques to identify patients physical problems and their patient care needs.
• Recognizes self-limitations and seeks out appropriate resources.
• Possesses clinical competence in airway management, cardiac monitoring, Intravenous (IV) therapy, blood gas analysis, venipuncture and physical assessment.
• Reassesses patient health status and identifies significant changes in conditions.
• Individualizes plan of care.
• Coordinates the prescribed plans with orders on health care team.
• Communicates pertinent aspects of care to patient, family, or other health care workers.
• Initiates home health referrals when appropriate.
• Sets priorities and implements nursing measures which correlate with identified plan and standard of care.
• Recognizes change in patients' condition and takes action to manage, reduce, or eliminate symptoms and promote comfort.
• Demonstrates respect for patients' dignity and privacy.
• Documents nursing intervention and patients' response.
• Maintains a safe patient environment and takes actions to prevent risk situations.
• Provides for patient/family education explains about all procedures, utilizes available educational materials, documents any instructions given to family.
• Has effective interpersonal skills with customers.
• Assists peers in patient care activities.
• Recognizes stress in others and uses positive coping techniques.
• Sets goals and prioritizes Emergency Department care to patients according to acuity.
• Is accountable in following medical center policy and procedures and work attendance.
• Participates in continuing education program, Medical Center Computer-based-learning modules, and ED In-service training and ED Skills Day.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Certifications and Licensures

BLS: Basic Life Support
ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support
TNCC: Trauma Nurse Core Course or ATCN
PALS: Ped Advance Life Support
RN: Registered Nurse
ENPC: Emerg Nurse Pediatric Course
NIMS: National Incident Management System
NIMS IS 100: NIMS IS 100 Introduction Incident Command System
NIMS IS 700: NIMS IS 700 Introduction National Incident Mgt System

Required Education

Associate degree in nursing, bachelors preferred.

Experience, Training And Skills

Knowledge of nursing skills as normally acquired through 2 years experience working in the medical center or similar setting. Weekend RN positions require a minimum of two years experience.

Physical/Mental Requirements And Typical Working Conditions

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death. Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position. Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s). Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching. Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required. Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake. Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis. Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.