Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Athol, MA
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days

Job Opportunity: Emergency Department Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Athol, Massachusetts
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Under the direction of the nurse manager, the RN performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care activities in the Emergency Department (ED). The role requires the ability to function independently with strong assessment, critical thinking, communication skills, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing interventions and patient care plans.
• Provide patient care based on standards of care, protocols, and policies.
• Deliver patient and family teaching tailored to learning needs and readiness.
• Collaborate on discharge planning incorporating support systems/resources.
• Delegate and supervise nursing interventions performed by others.
• Prioritize patient care and seek assistance or reassign personnel as needed.
• Document all pertinent data, interventions, and patient responses accurately and timely.
• Provide thorough handoff reports to ensure continuity of care.
• Promote learning and professional development for self and colleagues.
• Identify and report patient safety risks and medical errors.
• Address ethical issues in patient care.
• Safely administer medications and intravenous therapy per orders and protocols.
• Assess and manage patient pain using numerical pain scale and document responses.
• Perform initial patient assessments and triage protocols.
• Identify and manage patients at risk for abuse and complete mandated reporting.
• Collect and maintain forensic evidence as required.
• Maintain knowledge of disaster policies and procedures.
• Manage patients at risk for violent behavior using non-violent interventions.
• Recognize and respond to abnormal lab and diagnostic results promptly.
• Administer vasoactive medications with understanding of dosage and monitoring.
• Identify cardiac arrhythmias accurately and timely.
• Monitor and document thrombolytic and anticoagulation therapy.
• Manage care of intubated patients including suctioning and weaning.
• Interpret arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and signs of impaired gas exchange.
• Complete medication reconciliation documentation.
• Implement and monitor VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia) bundle protocols.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (AS) required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

Experience

• 3 to 5 years of Emergency Department nursing experience preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts required
• ACLS certification upon hire OR active BLS with ACLS obtained within 60 days of hire
• AHA PALS certification within 6 months of hire
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course), ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course), and CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly
• Frequent reaching, handling, and feeling with hands
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, and color distinction

Behavioral Attributes

• Achievement motivation
• Concern for order
• Flexibility and initiative
• Self-confidence
• Customer service orientation
• Interpersonal effectiveness and teamwork
• Analytical thinking and information seeking

Additional Notes

• This role requires independent functioning in a fast-paced ED environment with a focus on patient safety, ethical care, and professional development.
• Prior travel experience is not specified or required.