Emergency Department Nurse
General Information
This position is within a Level III Trauma Center, encompassing 375 licensed beds, including 46 emergency department beds. The facility averages about 200 patient visits per day, offering diverse clinical experiences.
Patient Types
- Trauma
- Gunshot Wounds (GSW)
- Sepsis
- COVID-19
- STEMI (significant volume)
- Stroke
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Mental health issues
- Respiratory complications
- Geriatric care
- Adult Psychiatry
- Thrombolysis (TNK)
Patient Ratios
During the day shift, the nurse-to-patient ratio is typically 1:4-5, with the ability to flex to 5 based on patient acuity and staffing availability.
Required Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
- TNCC
- NIHSS
- CPI/MOAB
Skills Required
- General emergency department experience
- Cardiac rhythm interpretation
- IV skills
- Basic knowledge of medication administration and drips
- Procedural sedation
- Blood administration
- Administration of cardiac medications
- Experience with Epic charting system is required
Support on the Unit
The emergency department is supported by:
- Emergency Room Technicians for glucose checks, iStat, and splinting assistance
- Charge Nurse (rarely takes assignments)
- Resource/Float Nurse
- Respiratory Therapists available 24/7
- ED Educator
- Security assigned to the ED, present 24/7
- House Supervisor available 24/7
- Social Work Services available 24/7
- Pharmacy available 24/7 for sedation medication assistance and code support
Charting System/Equipment
- Epic electronic health record
- Alaris infusion system
- Pyxis medication distribution system
- Central and bedside telemetry monitoring at the nursing station (no telemetry technician)
Orientation
The orientation process consists of:
- First Day: New Employee Orientation (NEO), badge issuance, Epic training (if necessary), and shadowing in mental health and front areas
- Second Day: 12-hour shift with a preceptor on assigned shift
- Traveler Telemetry Competency must be completed and passed prior to starting
Scheduling
Shifts include:
- Days/Mids: 0700, 1100
- Mids/Nights: 1500, 1900
Scheduling will primarily occur weekly, with flexibility based on unit needs. A 3-week schedule will be provided, typically given around 10 days prior to the start date.
Holiday Expectations
Employees are expected to work 2 of the 5 major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Other Notes
Uniform requirements include professional scrub colors, with modest/studs-only piercings allowed and non-offensive tattoos permitted. Free parking is available in designated areas. The culture is traveler-friendly, and many travelers opt to extend their assignments. The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented.