Description

Position Summary:

Performs the primary functions of a professional nurse leader in assessing, planning, directing, and evaluating patient care in the emergency room. Responsible for coordinating the nursing care of patient 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 departments in the care they provide.

Keeps abreast with the latest knowledge, techniques, and technological equipment in the field of Emergency Room nursing care. Manages all supplies and equipment. Promotes team efforts with physicians/mid-levels and personnel of their departments.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Skills:

• Plans, assesses, directs and participates in the delivery of emergency room nursing care.
• Participates in setting standards for patient care and nursing practice in Emergency Department nursing.
• Manages and cares for all Emergency Department patients including but not limited to patients presenting with cardiac, respiratory, neurologic, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, psychological and urinary illness. 
• Performs triage on multiple patients, evaluates, and prioritizes them according to hemodynamic instability, loss of limb, and treats appropriately and classifies according to severity.
• Interprets lab values including hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, white count, electrolytes, and clotting times.
• Provides psychosocial care to the patient and family.
• Assesses and interprets data on neonate and the pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients’ status to identify patients’ requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides care needed as stipulated in departmental policy.
• Gives technical and direct support to those who plan and administer nursing care.
• Arranges for transport of patients by air/ground ambulance.
• Call report to receiving facility on patient transfers.
• Accurately maintains and records the use of controlled substances.
• Participates in quality assurance by becoming aware of problems and resolving them.
• Initiates and performs CPR and/or basic emergency measures when necessary.
• Identifies and documents patient/significant other teaching needs upon admission and facilitates, documents appropriate teaching, and response to teaching.
• Promptly and accurately completes investigative reports as required.
• Communicates patient needs and status changes effectively and appropriately with Medical Staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used meds: action, dose and side effects.
• Observes seven rights for administering meds: right patient, right drug, right dose, fight method, right time, right reason, and right documentation.
• Demonstrates proper procedures in all methods of medication administration.
• Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures for Omnicell stations.
• Maintains knowledge base through attendance at hospital sponsored in-services and staff meeting.
• Maintains skills necessary to operate all Emergency Department equipment to ensure a safe environment for the ill/injured patient
• Evaluates the quality of nursing care in compliance with the established standards of nursing practice.
• Accurately performs chart audits and facilitates education and quality improvement.
• Identifies problems in patient care and assists in formulating plan of action to solve problems.
• Practices within legal boundaries of nursing practice act and according to hospital policy and procedure,
• Maintains the required inventory of supplies and equipment in the Emergency Department.
• Assures crash cart, Teleneuro, ED IV Fluid Stock, and Blanket Warmer Temperature are checked at the beginning of each shift.
• Determines equipment need and assures equipment is maintained in condition required by department standards
• Facilitates favorable relationships within the Emergency Department unit and with the Medical Staff, and other hospital departments and seeks input regarding nursing care. 
• Facilitates problem resolution among peers as observed by Director of Nursing and peers.
• Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff and Director of Nursing toward the organization.
• Interacts with patient family, employees, and departments in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner as observed by Director of Nursing and peer input.
• Fosters mature professional relationship with fellow employees in a courteous friendly manner as measured by management observations and peer input.
• Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.

General:

• Maintain HIPAA required and all other confidentiality while working with confidential matters on a daily basis.
• Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Heart of Texas Healthcare System.
• Interacts with patient, Medical Staff, family, employees, and other departments in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by Nurse Manager and peers.
• Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.
• Interacts with patient family, employees, and other departments in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner as observed by Director of Nursing and peers.
• Fosters mature professional relationship with fellow employees in a courteous friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Participates in in-service programs, in safety, infection control, staff meetings, committee meetings, and assigned yearly education.
• Community Service 

Interpersonal Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude toward all employees, departments, family members, and patients.
• Communicates effectively on a continuous basis
• Provide positive support for other team members and departments on a continuous basis.

Requirements

Qualifications & Education:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing
• Personal Job Related Skills: Demonstrated ability in nursing practice. Leadership and management abilities and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Licensure, Registry or Certification: Registered Nurse currently licensed by the State of Texas. BLS required. ACLS and PALS within 6 month of employment. TNCC within 1 year of employment. CEN, ENPC and NRP preferred.
• Experience: Two years’ experience in emergency room nursing preferred. Basic ECG course.
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Duties of the position require extended periods of standing and walking. Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching and lifting up to 50 pounds. Occasional heavy lifting when moving or supporting patients who may suddenly become weak or helpless.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to bend, squat, push, stoop, lift and pull as needed especially in fulfilling job responsibilities. 
• Occasional heavy lifting when moving or supporting patients who may suddenly become weak or helpless.

Work Schedule:

• Rotating Schedule
• Day Shift 6:45 am to 7:15 pm
• Night Shift 6:45 pm to 7:15 am
• 30-minute lunch

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of this position. The job description and duties of this position are subject to change, be modified or supplemented as deemed necessary by Heart of Texas Healthcare System. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and to perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by supervisors, managers and administration. This job description does not constitute any employment contract between Heart of Texas Healthcare System and any employee.