RN Emergency Department - $10,000 Hiring Bonus

Emergency Department Nurse

The Emergency Department (ED) serves as the critical hub of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, delivering high-acuity, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages. Excellence in clinical skill and critical thinking is expected, as the ED demands rapid decision-making and expert execution under pressure. Nurses are expected to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude, cultural sensitivity, and adherence to the hospital's guiding principles. Each interaction reflects a commitment to treating patients and families with dignity, compassion, and the same level of care one would offer their own loved ones. The RN's role directly impacts patient outcomes and supports the ED's vital role as the core of the hospital's mission.

Job Description

Patient Care & Assessment

• Provides nursing care per established standards.
• Performs comprehensive, ongoing patient assessments using biological, psychological, social, and cultural data.
• Recognizes patient needs for health promotion, prevention, maintenance, and restoration.
• Develops and initiates individualized plans of care based on assessments and diagnoses.
• Establishes expected outcomes that are measurable and time-bound.

Planning & Implementation

• Plans for basic patient needs: nutrition, hygiene, activity, rest, oxygenation, comfort, coping.
• Implements nursing interventions aligned with care plans.
• Revises care plans based on patient response and changing needs.
• Provides health education and anticipatory guidance tailored to patient/family understanding.

Medication & Documentation

• Administers medications per protocol; documents per policy.
• Monitors for side effects, allergies, and reports medication errors.
• Documents assessments, interventions, outcomes, and communication accurately.

Leadership & Coordination

• Provides guidance and training to nursing staff.
• Leads team when assigned; delegates based on staff competency and patient needs.
• Coordinates referrals to support, community, and tribal services.
• Promotes patient advocacy and maintains confidentiality.

Quality & Safety

• Maintains a safe, clean environment; follows universal precautions and OSHA standards.
• Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities.
• Ensures adequate supplies and proper equipment function.
• Serves on committees as appointed.

Professional Development

• Maintains current competency through education and training.
• Participates in nursing quality assurance and performance evaluations.

Education/Experience

Required

• Associate Degree in nursing from accredited program required.
• Applicant must have an unrestricted Registered Nurse license valid to practice within the state of North Carolina.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) which can be acquired through the facility following appointment to position. ACLS and PALS must be acquired within 6 months of date entering on duty. TNCC and ENPC within a year of hire date.

Preferred

• Graduated from an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and critical care experience preferred.
• Proficiency rated at 1 year for an RN with one-year clinical nursing experience.