Under the supervision of the Emergency Department Manager, the primary function of the Emergency Room Registered Nurse is to triage patients that present to the Emergency Department, coordinate a timely medical screening exam by Emergency Medical Provider and render medical care as ordered by the Emergency Medical Provider. The Emergency Room Registered Nurse position will involve the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of perceived, actual or potential, sudden or urgent, physical or psychosocial problems that are primarily episodic in nature and that occur in a variety of settings. These may require minimal care or advanced life support measures, patient and significant other education, appropriate referral and knowledge of legal implications. The Emergency Room Registered Nurse will care for people of all ages with undiagnosed, diagnosed and misdiagnosed problems of varying complexity.

The Emergency Room Registered Nurse secondary functions will include assisting in keeping the Emergency Department stocked, interviewing patients (or representative) to obtain personal, statistical and financial information and to work with the Emergency Department Coordinator to develop, implement policies and procedures. The Emergency Room Registered Nurse is also responsible for maintaining unit organization, cleanliness and contributing to the efficient use of available resources.

The Emergency Room Registered Nurse has frequent contact with the public and handles sensitive information regarding the patient and hospital business and must maintain confidentiality of that information. He/she must act as an ambassador of public relations for the hospital and the community including patients, families, visitors and other organizations.

Other responsibilities may be assigned or delegated by the Emergency Department Coordinator or Director of Patient Care Services.

SPECIFICATIONS

· Performs symptoms analysis of chief complaint on all patients entering the Emergency Department collecting subjective and objective data.

· Institutes and maintains Emergency Department Record and Registry Log on all patients entering the department.

· Ensures that all patients are triaged upon arrival and appropriate level of care instituted from findings.

· Coordinates timely medical screening exam by Emergency Medical Provider.

· Able to differentiate severity of patient complaint and prioritize care.

· Assigns patient to appropriate care area based on triage findings which facilitates patient flow through the Emergency Department.

· Initiates treatment measures appropriately.

· Communicates triage/assessment findings clearly, concisely and in a timely manner to appropriate MD.

· Initiates diagnostics as ordered.

· Communicates pertinent information to family or significant other when appropriate.

· Mobilizes additional personnel when appropriate.

PLANNING

· Worked performed to predetermine the course of action to obtain quality patient care.

· Effectively manages use of physical resources based on triage classification and continuing patient assessment.

· Ensures that supplies and equipment necessary for emergency care are readily available at all times.

· Implements safety procedures for each patient in accordance with that patient’s specific needs.

· Plans for effective interdepartmental communications.

· Plans for need of special equipment and supplies needed for specific procedures.

INTERVENTION:

· Performs independent monitoring of patients.

· Independently performs lifesaving, limb saving measures within the scope of professional nursing practice.

· Charts appropriately on the EMR.

· Appropriately scans patients and medications when administering medications, and Documents accordingly on the EMAR.

· Communicates changes in patient’s condition immediately to appropriate care provider.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

• Reports to work in proper uniform or attire.
• Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.
• Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures the department head prior to working has approved all overtime.
• Schedules all time off with supervisor’s approval.
• Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.

2. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings.

• Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.
• Participates as an active team member at staffs meetings.
• Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

3. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

• Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with other departments and allied professionals.
• Demonstrates respect and cooperation in all staff relationships, and a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.
• Actively participates in and encourages actions that promote good public relations with patients’ families, visitors, and the community.
• Works together in a spirit of teamwork.
• Shares information on a “need to know” basis.

4. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

• Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
• Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
• Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

5. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
• Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.

6. Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement of the USNU and Mid-Valley Hospital.

7. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

• Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. However, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of one year acute care nursing.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION:

Current state nursing licensure.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

ACLS required – May have one year in which to obtain.

CPR is required.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively: delegate and coordinate through leadership skills.

Ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and educational levels; i.e. patients, families, employees, physicians, etc.

CAREER PATH: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Masters in Nursing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

May be required to work any shift in emergencies.

May be required to work any day of the week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person spends 95% of their time in temperature controlled office space. The potential for exposure to bio hazardous agents or exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potential infectious agents is medium to high. This position requires contact with patients and staff under a wide variety of circumstances. This person is subject to varying and unpredictable situations, many interruptions, long irregular hours, multiple calls and inquires.

WAGE AND COMPENSATION

Wage range $ 35.50 hr. - $ 64.29 hr. - DOE

Mid-Valley Hospital offers a benefit package. This includes accrued vacation time in the amount of .076923 vacation hours per hour worked. Accrued sick leave at an accrual of .04615 per hour, Life insurance and a profit-sharing plan. We also offer medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees can enroll in a 403(b) deferred compensation plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan.