ER RN in a 38-bed combined Emergency and Urgent Care unit with 5 trauma bays/resuscitation rooms.
Adult and Pediatric Level 2 Trauma Center
STEMI receiving and Stroke center
No fast track; urgent care is used instead
Two triage bays behind registration
ER holds are intermixed in the ER
4 dedicated psych rooms
Security is in house 24/7, but not housed in the ER
Average volume: 140-180 patients per day
Nurse-to-patient ratios: ER 1:3, UC 1:6
Common diagnoses include chest pain, abdominal pain, sepsis, syncope, elevated heart rate, headache, and suicide ideation
Common drips include heparin, nitroglycerin, diltiazem, amiodarone, nicardipine, and norepinephrine
Charge nurse and house supervisor coverage is available
HUC coverage is available 24/7
Techs are scheduled from 0700-0300 and can assist with IVs, labs, blood cultures, EKGs, and ADLs
Paramedics are on staff and can assist with meds, discharges, and procedures
RT is available 24/7 in house
RT equipment includes vents, CPAP, BiPAP, and high flow
No monitor techs
X-ray and CT are both within the department
Transport team operates 06-2100
RNs draw labs
Phlebotomy draws blood cultures unless unable to reach the department within 20 minutes