RN Emergency Department

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) is responsible for providing skilled nursing care and managing a group of patients through the Nursing Process. This role includes both caregiver and care manager functions, overseeing and coordinating patient care activities, delegating tasks, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. The RN will perform thorough assessments, implement care plans, document patient information, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced acute care environment. Responsibilities:

• Perform patient assessments focusing on physiologic, psychosocial, and cognitive status.
• Implement nursing care according to established procedures, policies, and care plans.
• Identify patient and family learning needs and provide appropriate teaching.
• Document all patient care activities in electronic medical records and/or paper charts in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Delegate patient care activities and supervise assigned nursing and non-nursing staff.
• Function as Charge Nurse when required, managing patient assignments, admissions, discharges, transfers, and staff coordination.
• Maintain professional growth through continuing education and professional development.
• Adhere to safety protocols including infection control, equipment use, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team members.
• Comply with organizational policies, procedures, and labor agreements.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Current Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from AHA or equivalent within 30 days of hire.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Ability to perform comprehensive nursing assessments and implement care plans.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills appropriate for acute care settings.
• Physical ability to perform frequent standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs, and CPR.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience as an acute care registered nurse, preferably with at least one year in specialty nursing departments.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification within 6 months of hire.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Moderate sedation training completed within 12 months of hire and annually thereafter.
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification preferred.

Special Considerations:

• May function as Charge Nurse, requiring leadership and coordination skills.
• Must handle high stress levels associated with acute and emergency patient care.
• Work involves frequent physical activity including lifting, bending, and use of multiple medical devices.
• Required to comply with safety, infection control, and emergency preparedness protocols.
• May cancel up to two shifts per month or six shifts within any 13-week assignment.

Scheduling:

• Day shift schedule in the Emergency Department.
• Shift length typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours.
• Shift assignments and coverage coordinated with supervisory staff.