Registered Nurse (RN) - Emergency Department

General Information:

Job title: Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Schedules Available: PRN/as needed; required to work a minimum of 1 shift every 6 weeks

Position Summary:

The Registered Nurse position is responsible for coordinating the nursing care of patients presenting to the Emergency Department ranging in age from pediatric to geriatric, who may present at any point on the continuum from illness to wellness. Performs all aspects of direct patient care and works with other disciplines/ancillary services in the care they provide.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plans, implements and evaluates all levels of patient care. Performs age appropriate assessments and provides safe and effective care to all ages.
• Performs triage according to the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) 5 level triage process.
• Documents, using medical terminology, and maintains an ED record that is medically and legally acceptable, reflective of all nursing care provided and the patient's response to the care given.
• Collaborates with all providers, peers, ancillary department and outside agencies to provide efficient, cost effective, optimum patient care.
• Coordinates the care needs of multiple patients. Able to prioritize patient care to ensure patient needs are met in a timely fashion, and that quality care is delivered and the patient flow is enhanced.
• Verbally communicates patient needs in a concise, reasoned fashion. The RN is able to advocate for the patients under her care through the use of communication with providers, peers and ancillary departments. This may include using the chain of command when needed.
• Actively participates in developing own professional goals. Completes all required education, audits, and in-services in allotted time frame.
• Assesses patient and family knowledge and discharge needs and provides for same.
• Monitors life support and automated technical equipment, performs routine and complex treatments including medication administration and emergency resuscitation protocols. Inserts and safely administers IV fluids, blood and blood products, and other parenteral fluids.
• Responds to crisis in a calm, efficient manner, directing others concisely. Uses delegation appropriately.
• Complies with legal consent, transfer protocols, and other legislative requirements that preserve patient rights and ensure appropriateness of care.
• Able to rapidly solve and deliver calm, efficient care in a high stress situation.
• Maintains equipment and supplies. Makes sure all check lists are completed, supplies are put away and rooms are stocked as delegated before leaving each shift.
• Participates in providing educational experiences for pre-hospital emergency providers and other students.
• Demonstrated proficiency in regards to the computer documentation of patient cares and any other related computerized patient information/documentation.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Two-year degree in nursing required. Four-year degree preferred.
• Must hold and maintain nursing license. RNs with an active Compact Licensure are to obtain a Wisconsin RN license within 90 days of relocation.
• BLS within 1 month of hire, ACLS & PALS within 1 year of hire, TNCC or ATCN within 3 years of hire, ENPC preferred, NRP encouraged.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency with computers is required
• Comprehensive nursing skills and knowledge of equipment.
• Thorough understanding of triage.
• Understanding of lab procedures and equipment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical competency.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.