Description

Position Title: Registered Emergency Department Nurse

Department: Nursing

Supervisor’s Title: Nursing Manager/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

I Position Summary: Oversees the needs and successful delivery of quality patient care on the Emergency unit and Medical/Surgical department.

II. Principal Functions and Responsibilities:

A. Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 

B. Oversees the delivery of patient care, directs and delegates patient care assignments for nursing staff working within the hospital, based on acuteness of patient care needs and staff availability. 

C. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care outcomes, consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as indicated to ensure optimal care. 

D. Solves procedural problems and make independent decisions concerning emergency situations in the absence of physician or other medical authority. 

E. Precepts and orients all new team members to each assigned department. 

F. Provides direct patient care, evaluates outcomes and consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care. 

G. Individually and collectively, will lead and advocate that the nursing staff will maintain positive and effective relations with coworkers, other departments, patients, family members, and visitors. 

H. Direct communication with any nursing student and the instructor regarding the patient care assignments and delivery of care. 

I. Understands and follows the Idaho Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Code of Ethics, and the ANA Social Policy Statement and works within those parameters. 

J. Maintains a safe, clean, orderly, quiet and comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with hospital standards.

K. Stocks and maintains adequate levels of supplies and proper functioning equipment.

L. Consults and communicates with the nursing manager and keeps them informed 

of both clinical and non-clinical needs, staff issues, and all patient care activities, including emergent and non-emergent transfers or off-site travels.

M. Communicates effectively with physicians and mid-level providers both verbally and in writing. Makes patient rounds with MDs as needed.

N. Assures continuity of care by conducting verbal and written report with incoming staff regarding all patient activities and conditions. 

O. Assures accurate maintenance of patient’s medical records and that patient records are treated as confidential information.

P. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information and abides by established communication code. 

Q. Ensures HIPPA is always followed. 

R. Maintains awareness of the ongoing Quality Improvement studies within the unit; assists with the implementation of corrective actions determined necessary. 

S. Coordinates critical care with tertiary hospitals.

T. Assists other members of the nursing team and/or other disciplines as necessary to ensure continuity of care. 

U. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops. Attends staff meetings as required. 

V. Cross-trains to all stated units per manager request (Med-Surg, ED, Surgery, Infusion).

O. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. 

Requirements

A. Minimum Education: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited school 

B. Preferred Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

C. Preferred Minimum Experience and Skills: Five years in the practice of nursing and at least 1 in an Emergency Department

D. Certification, Licensure: Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Idaho. Compact License preferred and will ultimately be required. CPR certification is required. Current BLS, ACLS and PALS are required and must be obtained within two (2) months of employment. NRP and STABLE are required and must be obtained within six (6) months. TNCC is required and must be obtained within one (1) year. 

E. Physical Requirement: Extensive walking, standing, occasionally lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients. Lifting, reaching, hand-eye coordination, speaking. 

F. Working Conditions: Blood borne pathogens: Potential exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and to patient elements in general. Contact with patients and their families under sometimes stressful, difficult and unpredictable circumstances. Must be able to perform in crisis situations.